Downtown Study — Fall 2011

The Town of Hillsborough contracted Kimley-Horn and Associates to look at congestion concerns in downtown Hillsborough following the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners' decision to no longer pursue construction of an Elizabeth Brady Road extension. The study was done in cooperation with the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO), which provided 80 percent of the funds for the study. The DCHC MPO is a regional transportation planning body made up of the jurisdictions in Durham and Orange counties that fall within the metropolitan area (as defined by the Census). Portions of surrounding counties (Chatham and Person) also are included.

The study area was defined as the core of downtown, and data was collected from U.S. 70 Bypass south to U.S. 70 Business. The study's focus was to define small improvements that might help with congestion but not detract from the downtown's walkability or vitality. A series of public workshops and focus group meetings were held in early November to collect suggestions from the public and downtown businesses. The suggestions and data were combined to generate a series of recommendations.

A full report is attached below.  The implementation plan provides cost estimates for planning purposes.  The Town Board adopted the plan in official action on Monday February 27.  Further planning and identification of funding are needed before any component is implemented. Additionally, further public comment will be solicited and consideredbefore implementation of major plan components.  A technical appendix is still forthcoming from the consultant.