Downtown Specific Plan - Part 1 - City of Brawley

Brawley Downtown Specific Plan
3.3.3 Circulation Concept
Improved circulation and accessibility for all users in Brawley is very important
to ensuring the social and economic success of Downtown. As discussion in
Chapter (Existing Conditions), completion of the Brawley Bypass will result
in the relinquishment of Main Street from Caltrans, transitioning enforcement
of standards for the street’s configuration, use and care back to the City.
During community workshops, merchants and Brawley residents expressed
concern about the economic impacts to Downtown based on the
anticipated reduction in vehicle trips along Main Street following completion
of the Bypass. Fortunately, it is expected that semi-trucks and other large
transport vehicles will comprise the group of trips using the new Bypass.
Currently, Main Street is heavily traveled by regional users who pass through
Downtown, but rarely stop due to time constraints and physical parking
limitations. Those who do not stop, also do not offer any economic support.
Instead, their use of Main Street simply adds to its cost of maintenance.
Main Street is currently is a four (4) lane divided roadway with parallel onstreet
parking. The roadway division between eastbound and westbound
traffic is provided via an approximate 10-foot wide buffer that varies between
a raised median, a painted median, and left-turn lanes at intersections.
The circulation concept shown in Figure 3- (Preferred Circulation
Alternative) has been evaluated from a capacity standpoint, considering a
reduction from four (4) to two ( ) travel lanes in the Main Street segment
between 3rd Street and th Street. Other considerations include the
addition of angled parking in the Main Street Core and a stronger pedestrian
focus through crosswalks and bulbouts.
Livability and Mobility
Consideration of Main Street travel within Downtown Brawley cannot focus
solely on performance in facilitating vehicular traffic flow, but should also
include increased opportunities for human interaction, comfort, convenience,
and safety. Through linkages between commerce and the community,
stakeholders can further build pride in a well-designed and livable Downtown.
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Balancing mobility and livability metrics provides a wide-ranging set of criteria
for review of street design within Downtown. Enhanced community design
and focus on access for all users will support residents, visitors, and businesses
alike. The balance between vehicular and non-vehicular needs helps increase
accessibility to workplaces, homes, community activities, and destination
amenities within Downtown.
A high level of walkability is important to providing a livable Main Street and
is supported by the following goals:
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Safe, comfortable and attractive pedestrian environments
Walkable distances between Downtown and nearby neighborhoods,
schools, parks and open space
Integration of neighborhoods currently bisected by Main Street
Access to transit stops and a Downtown bus depot
Broadened Circulation Objectives
In order to support livability within Downtown, circulation objectives for
Main Street need to be broadened beyond the typical aim of reducing travel
delay and accommodation of through traffic. Typical evaluation of the system
performance focuses solely on improving vehicular traffic, which typically
results in a street network hostile to pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
In order to create a pedestrian-friendly Downtown, this circulation concept
aims to slow traffic through a progressive reduction in travel lanes, integration
of crosswalk bulbouts, and roundabouts in strategic locations.
Accessibility as an objective within Downtown results in a multi-modal,
human scale design that supports “sense of place” and active commerce.
Enhanced accessibility provides the opportunity for users to access all of the
civic, destination, and recreational amenities offered in Downtown through an
attractive, safe, and comfortable environment.
A more livable and accessible Downtown will ultimately strengthen the social
experience, diversity of amenities, and economic vibrancy.