CAROLINA BEACH — Walking and biking around the coastal town of Carolina Beach are a way of life for many residents and visitors and the town has put a lot of time and funding into making these activities safer. From the Island Greenway project to the installation of more sidewalks and bike lanes the town’s efforts are noticeable, and they are not done yet.
Town Council is preparing to hear a resolution that would submit requests for funding for two new projects on the island, the addition of 1.3 miles worth of bike lanes on St. Joesph Avenue/Lewis Drive and the installation of a new traffic light at Lake Park Boulevard and Hamlet Avenue.
But as with all capital improvement projects, funding is a primary concern, but if approved, the town could get lucky and receive a grant for 80% of the project costs.
“The Wilmington MPO issued a call for projects on April 1 for applications for Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) grant funding. These are federal DOT funds administered through the MPO and the same funding source as the Island Greenway and Cape Fear Blvd. MUP projects. Eligible projects must be included in the current Cape Fear 2040 Transportation Plan. This is an 80% grant/20% local match minimum program,” according to the proposed resolution.
The first project, the bike lanes on St. Joesph Avenue would consist of dual bike lanes for 1.3 miles starting at Lake Park Boulevard and ending at Access Drive. These lanes would give bicyclists an option for travel behind Lake Park Boulevard, the main thoroughfare through town, to reach shopping locations.
“This 1.3-mile project is also a priority project in the 2018 CB Pedestrian Plan, and the 2011 CB Bicycle Multi-Use Transportation Plan, and the Wilmington/New Hanover Greenway Plan. The project would be a widening of the streets to accommodate 5-foot bike lanes on both sides,” according to town documents.
The total cost of the bike lane project is an estimated $572,222; with the town’s current financial situation, that is likely funding that town leadership would like to save. If the town were to get the grant it would only be responsible for an estimated $114,445 — still a large sum of money, but likely more attainable.
The funding for the projects is the same source as the Island Greenway which was recently completed after several setbacks and delays.
The second of the two projects, the new traffic signal at Hamlet Avenue and Lark Park Boulevard has been a conversation between the town and the NCDOT for several months and NCDOT has been receptive to the idea.
According to Mayor of Carolina Beach Joe Benson, the NCDOT responded to the request for a new traffic signal favorably.
“As previously discussed, the Department would support the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Lake Park and Hamlet at this time. We discussed an estimate for a possible signal with crosswalks at the intersection of Lake Park and Hamlet. Please see the estimate attached to the reply email. Please note that additional monies above and beyond the estimate, and possibly significant additional monies, may be needed for utility adjustments and ROW items should those be needed. Please also note that this estimate is based on our contractor pricing that we have in place, so if this installation is sought by others, then the pricing may vary. I understand that efforts are currently underway to pursue funding for a signal/crosswalks with possible matching funds from the Town for this location,” according to NCDOT.
Since NCDOT operates Lake Park Boulevard, anything the town wants to do like install new traffic signals or lower speed limits (as it did in the past), have to go through official channels.
But once again, funding for this project is not readily available.
“During meetings with NCDOT officials in April, a number of intersections along Lake Park Blvd. were reviewed for additional traffic control and safety improvements. After further traffic analysis by DOT, the Town was notified that the Lake Park/Hamlet intersection met the criteria for a new traffic signal but there was no finding currently available. Subsequently, DOT, Wilmington MPO, and Town staff determined the signal would be an eligible request for the STBG program. DOT staff is assisting in the grant application,” according to the presentation.
The total cost for the installation of a new traffic light is estimated at $221,000. If the grants were approved the town would only be responsible for $44,200 while the grant would provide $176,800.
Town Council will vote on approving the two requests for funding at its June 11 regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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