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Incremental Step 3 could be some "No Parking or Standing" signs along the route.
These three incremental steps could be done quickly and cheaply. But combined with the double stripe they would send an important signal signal to drivers: The shoulder is not a passing lane for road ragers or a parking zone for delivery guys. This small bit of incrementalism would gradually socialize the idea of the new trail, which is very important. As people learn about the trail, we will get more community feedback, some of which could be very helpful or prevent snags down the road.
Incremental Step 4 could be installing some diagonal hazard stripes on the existing deceleration and acceleration lanes at the NASA entrances, to signal a hazard/caution zone.
Step 5 could be installing speed humps on high-speed right turn ramps into and out of NASA.
Incremental Step 6 could be a floating bus stop across from Chelsea Wood with some flexposts nearby for visibility, like College Park has done on Rhode Island Ave.
None of these incremental steps needs to take 5+ years or cost millions! But they would start making a difference in safety, accessibility, and connectivity right away.
Of course, when the official feasibility studies are finalized, and the full engineering process is undertaken, project designers will likely use more permanent protection than paint and the occasional flexpost, and may chose to square off right turn ramps entirely. We will eventually need a signalized crossing at Chelsea Wood. That's great!
I'm not suggesting we sidestep the longer-term, more complete planning process, which will eventually be needed to build the whole trail from ERHS to the WB&A trail, as well as to finish the NASA section more fully.
But we can do small increments too, quickly and at low cost, starting right now. Just like District 3 did with the 2nd white stripe!
So congrats to SHA District 3 today for their first incremental fix. Tomorrow, let's start asking about those bike/walk symbols and No Parking signs!
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