City looking at Chestnut, Spruce for 'streetscape' improvements

Dominion Post

2 days ago

MORGANTOWN — High Street received a streetscape makeover in 2013.
Pleasant Street got spruced up in 2023.
Walnut Street – at least a block of it – will, presumably, have a new look to show off at some point this year.
So, what's next?
Based on the Department of Transportation TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) Grant applications approved this week by Morgantown City Council, likely Chestnut Street, then Spruce.
In October, the city learned it was the recipient of a $180,000 TAP Grant to design pedestrian improvements for Chestnut Street.
Now, the city is going back to the well, seeking $1.55 million to construct at least a portion of the project. If awarded, the city would be required to provide a 20% match, totalling $310,000.
The street runs roughly 2,100 feet between Foundry and Willey streets. It's one of five streets that make up the one-way grid in the city's downtown.
While the city concedes the work will likely need to be approached in phases, the ultimate goal is to address the entirety of Chestnut Street with new sidewalks/ADA infrastructure, lighting and appropriate landscaping.
According to information provided in council's latest agenda packet, 'The project will also consider the addition of adding road markings or sharrows on Chestnut Street, which will enable cars and bicycles to share the street.'
Moving up a couple blocks, the city is once again seeking assistance kicking off a revisioning of Spruce Street — this time in the form of a $450,000 TAP Grant.
The city notes, 'The design concept will include all new sidewalks, improvement for ADA infrastructure, new lighting, and appropriate landscaping as well. The city will conduct research on an optimal streetscape plan for the possibility of converting one of the lanes for strict bicycle usage.'
Like all TAP Grants, the city would be on the hook for a 20% local match, totaling $90,000, if awarded.
Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli previously said that once streetscape enhancements on Pleasant, Walnut and Chestnut streets were complete, it would likely be time to circle back to High Street once again.
Lastly, the city is continuing to push for pedestrian enhancements serving the Morgantown Municipal Airport, requesting a $380,000 TAP Grant to design the Morgantown Municipal Airport Bike Path and Walking Trail Connector — a five-foot-wide pedestrian and bike path from the Sabraton Baptist Church on Sabraton Avenue to the West Virginia Land Trust walking trails off Hartman Run Road. That, in turn, would make way for a future connection to Hart Field Road.
If fully awarded, the grant would require a $76,000 match.