DELIVERIES While there are certainly advantages to two-way traďŹƒc, it was evident from discussions with a few business owners that there is push-back on converting one-way streets to two-way. The biggest issue raised by these owners was the ability of businesses on Main Street to receive deliveries. Currently, delivery trucks stop and block one of the two travel lanes to make deliveries to businesses, even though loading and delivery zones are clearly marked in the on-street parking areas of the street. Other cities that have successfully made conversions or have always had two-direction travel always enact the following measures to facilitate deliveries and support businesses: 1. adequate provisions for loading zones 2. time restrictions on those zones as needed so the zones can revert to parking at o-delivery hours 3. enforcement of loading zone requirements so that travel lanes are not blocked and loading zones are available as needed
These provisions were developed through joint conversations with businesses, delivery companies, and cities to develop solutions that best address the needs of all parties. While there have been discussions on loading and deliveries with the merchants on Main Street, there are concerns still among some business owners. All cities that have successfully converted one-way streets in similar contexts (restaurant uses, no alleys) have successfully navigated these design issues related to deliveries. Regardless of street conversion, City Code should require loading to occur from designated loading zones, rather than be permitted to block traďŹƒc. As the graphic illustrates, deliveries on Main Street can be accommodated without blocking a travel lane. This scheme was developed collaboratively between the city and business stakeholders. Delivery schemes such as this will need to be developed for business owners along all of the converted sections. The success of the Downtown 2040 Master Plan will depend on an acceptable solution and should continue the dialogue to ensure that businesses and delivery providers can maintain timely and convenient service. The city has been working with business owners to develop delivery schemes under a two-way conversion, as illustrated here for the 12 and 1300 blocks of Main and Church. This plan recommends that collaboration with individual businesses continue to ensure that businesses can adequately receive deliveries along the converted two-way streets.
PLANNED LOADING ZONES DOWNTOWN 2040
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
CHAPTER 6: MOBILITY & ACCESSIBILITY
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