After two years of extensive research, MetroPlan Orlando is sharing a new design for a 2-mile stretch of Corrine Drive between Bennett and Mills, it hopes, will better serve the community. The report lays out proposals for two sections of the study area.
“The recommended design for Corrine Drive includes continuous sidewalks, new features for bicyclists, a street design that can slow speeds and improve safety, along with more trees for shade and appearance,” MetroPlan’s website says.
MetroPlan is now asking for more feedback from the community – starting with a public meeting on May 1 at Audubon K-8 School. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. and include displays, a slideshow and discussion on key features of the design. Public comments will be taken through the end of May, so be sure to share your thoughts.
Watch MetroPlan Orlando’s new video here
With all of the proposed changes, one major goal is to slow down drivers. MetroPlan found that 75 percent of drivers go faster than the posted 35 mph speed limit, a big concern for an area bustling with foot and bike traffic to businesses like the East End Market and Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux.
In an interview with Wesh 2 News, a local worker agreed the business owners and their customers are ready for this change. “Especially during rush hour, it’s really scary how fast people drive. And crosswalks are not as accessible, so people are trying to sprint across the street,” Hannah Murphy, who works at Redlight, Redlight said.
MetroPlan’s report includes suggestions to add full sidewalks on both sides of the road, a shared-use path for walking and cycling, as well as a cycle-track intersection. To help keep kids safe when walking to and from school, the plan includes raised crosswalks at mid-block crossings. Channel 9’s Racquel Asa explains how other safety features would work.