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Bayfront Battle
In wake of proposed Bayfront Highway, a boulevard alternative boosts connectivity
October 6, 2021 at 4:25 PM
The power elite want a Bayfront Highway to support and increase the 80% of current traffic using the Bayfront as a bypass through Erie. To build the highway, PennDOT skipped the NEPA Environmental Assessment. Residents and community groups protested. Earth Justice filed a Federal Lawsuit for the NAACP and PennFuture.
The Bayfront Highway plan features double-lane roundabouts & highway-style ramps and underpasses. To keep more traffic moving through the city, PennDOT will remove Holland Street sidewalks forcing Eastsiders to use a 9' wide pedestrian overpass that may not be open 24/7. PennDOT states that 80 percent of Bayfront traffic is using the Bayfront to cut across town and not to serve the Bayfront. PennDOT's current design will greatly increase such unwanted, induced cross-town traffic loads by implementing "Expressway" roundabout designs that prioritize continuous traffic flow. The unnecessary cross-town traffic will impede development with the debilitating traffic congestion on the Bayfront and along the Bayfront Connector, Rt. 290. This crosstown traffic will increase threats and hazards to people walking and biking between the city and the Bayfront and along the Rt. 290 corridor. PennDOT's current design will fatally restrict Bayfront crossings and diminish the critical connectivity needed to support sustainable economic development. The best traffic and environmental planning is to encourage non-Bayfront destined traffic to use 12th Street and I-90 as the primary routes to get across town.
The Bayfront Boulevard plan offers abundant connectivity between the City and Bayfront. Connectivity is a social justice issue and is critical to Erie's future prosperity and quality of life.
TAKE ACTION - SIGN THE RESOLUTION calling for PennDOT to adjust current plans and reduce the induced cross-town (east-west) vehicular traffic volumes by prioritizing north-south non-vehicular connectivity and traffic calming (over harmful "Level of Service" concerns for east-west vehicular traffic on the Bayfront) to protect the people, environment, and economy of Erie, PA.
CIVITAS.design, established in 2004, undertakes "aesthetic and functional interventions in public space" including initiating the founding of Preservation Erie, All Aboard Erie, Innovation Erie, Made in Erie Marketplace, Rethink the McBride Viaduct, ErieCPR, and Connect Urban Erie. Connect Urban Erie's mission is to "empower residents to build a connected, thriving, safe and just city". Some of those who fought the demolition of the McBride Viaduct and who are now are advocating for a Bayfront Boulevard include Lisa Austin, Michael Beightol, Janice Cole, Judy Lynch, Roland Slade, Adam Trott. For more information, contact a member, call (814) 303-2248 or email: lisa@lisaaustinpa.com.