uptown 2025 proposal (complete)
TRANSCRIPT
1Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
FITTING THE PIECES TOGETHER SOLVING THE PLANNING CHALLENGES
Hillcrest/Mission Hills/Bankers Hill:
Uptown 2025The Future BeginsA United Proposal for
Implementing the Mayor’s Climate Action
Plan.
NOWNOW
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 2
Driving
Transit Walking
Planning & Design Goals
Businesses
Residents
Institutions
TourismRecreati
on
World Class Infrastructure
Parking
World Class Community
Bicycling
These need to work together, not at cross-purposes.
These need to work together,
not at cross-purposes, across all three
communities of Uptown, or you will all pay the
price.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 3
Core Message
Let’s solve all the big
problems together. Let’s avoid piecemeal,
disconnected projects.
Let’s solve all the big
problems together. Let’s avoid piecemeal,
disconnected projects.
In the absence of a well-crafted strategy designed to achieve ambitious and measurable goals, we end up with projects that don’t directly relate to or support each other.
A smarter strategy is to work out the relationship among the different elements—roads, parking, transit, bicycle, walking, active recreation—so that each project helps set the stage for the next, and to minimize conflicts. For example, we want to avoid a bicycle project that causes significant parking “pain” and which might conflict with transit plans or opportunities.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 4
The Opportunity
Mayor’s Climate Action Plan
Mayor’s Climate Action Plan
Real Long-Term Infrastruct
ure
Real Long-Term Infrastruct
ure
Generational Shift:
Millennials
Generational Shift:
Millennials
PriorityPriority MoneyMoney MarketMarket
The Uptown communities find themselves with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to request that significant regional resources be directed to creating real, world-class infrastructure to support Uptown’s growth and development for many decades to come.
The Mayor’s ambitious Climate Action Plan needs to demonstrate how targeted infrastructure investments can produce a major shift in transportation patterns. Uptown is uniquely suited to be this demonstration. We estimate that the total cost of this proposal will be approximately ½ of 1% of the Regional Transportation Plan—real money, to be sure, but doable if the Mayor and City Council work to make this a regional priority.
A side benefit is that these investments will help attract the Millennial generation, a group that wants to live in urban environments with active transportation modes.
5Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Washington Street Canyon Bikeway and Landscaping
Washington Street Canyon Bikeway and Landscaping
Washington Street Bikeway & TransitWashington Street Bikeway & Transit
Uptown QuickwayUptown
Quickway
6th Ave Bikeway6th Ave
Bikeway
Balboa Park
Bikeway
Balboa Park
Bikeway
Hillcrest Center Bikeway & Quickway
Hillcrest Center Bikeway & Quickway
6th Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
6th Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave
Bikeway & Bridge
University Ave
Bikeway & Bridge
Uptown 2025 Proposal
Fully integrated mix of world-class bikeways, leading-edge transit, improved parking,
and improved traffic flows.
Approximate cost: About ½ of 1% of the
Regional Transportation Plan.
Benefit:Infrastructure to support the Mayor’s ambitious
Climate Action Plan goals and set Uptown up
for many decades of continued thriving.
Uptown 2025 proposes a set of investments, for completion prior to 2025, which together create the foundation of an effective movement system for Uptown that resolves many of the major issues plaguing driving, parking, bicycling, using transit, and walking. Beyond this project, there are additional regional transit investments we propose to build following Uptown 2025.
Bicycling: Greenway Network
Bicycling: Greenway Network
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 7
Theme
If we’re going to build bicycle infrastructure, let’s place it front and
center. If we’re serious about it,
let’s do it right the first time.
If we’re going to build bicycle infrastructure, let’s place it front and
center. If we’re serious about it,
let’s do it right the first time.
Cities all over the world are creating bicycle infrastructure intended to place bicycling at a higher priority than driving. They do this not by placing bike infrastructure on the side or out-of-the-way, but by placing bicycles in the center, as if they were there first and the automobile had to fit its way around the bicycles. While we take a slightly more moderate approach here, we see how a regional Greenway network—the equivalent of a highway for bicycles—can transform the role of bicycling in the San Diego region.
8Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Greenways This median bikeway in Peru does not do enough to distinguish bike lanes from the pedestrian path, but it does show the priority that has been given to the bicycle—and gives an idea of how easy it would be to travel the bikeway, out of traffic.
9Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
This median bikeway in Brazil places the cyclist in a completely different—and far nicer—environment than being in mixed traffic. Colored bike lanes help establish a bikeway’s identity. Though different colors are used around the world, green is a common one and is recommended for San Diego, as red (as used here) is often reserved for transit and blue for handicapped paths.
10Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
This median greenway features a clearly delineated bikeway and pedestrian path, along with trees.
11Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Washington Street If right-of-way constraints were not an issue, then Washington Street is the main corridor through Mission Hills—and the road where bicycles would most like to be. Curbside bike lanes don’t fit, though. Is there a better alternative?
12Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The problem with Washington Street is that it is entirely taken up with on-street parking, two traffic lanes each
direction, and newly landscaped medians that are iconic and beautiful.
13Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
If bike lanes (light green) are added curbside on Washington Street, along with a barrier to separate them from parked cars, the medians can no longer support landscaping and
there is no room for left turn pockets. This is why Washington Street was rejected by planners.
14Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Two travel lanes each direction
preserved
Landscape pop-outs for street
trees
Parking moved from curbside to
median
4’ walkway protects bikeway and gives pedestrians safe
access to crosswalk
12’ wide bikeway fully
signalized
One alternative for Washington Street is to place the bikeway in the center of the street, and move parking against the bikeway, in the band of space shared with left-turn pockets. Now everything fits: a wide, central bikeway, double rows of trees, on-street parking, left-turn pockets, and auto lanes.
15Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Median parking is not uncommon. These
examples (Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa
Beach, upper left and right; and Sarasota, Florida, bottom left), are US examples.
16Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Curitiba, Brazil, relies extensively on median parking to fit their surface busways in the available space.
17Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Design to be determined.
STAGE I—INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION, West Washington Street, Goldfinch to Dove
GO
LDFI
NC
H
FALC
ON
EA
GLE
DO
VE
Proposed configuration preserves most of existing
landscaping
Alternative configuration
This image shows how a Greenway could be configured through West Washington Street.
18Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
STAGE I—INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION: West Washington Street, Brant to Third
BR
AN
T
ALB
ATR
OSS
1ST
3R
D
This image shows how a Greenway could be configured through West Washington Street.
19Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
STAGE I—INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION: West Washington Street, Third to Fifth
This image shows how a Greenway could be configured through Washington Street. The bikeway would then turn down 5th Avenue.
3rd
4th
5th
20Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Length:1404’Rise: 72’Grade:5.1%Deficit: 996’
Length:1404’Rise: 72’Grade:5.1%Deficit: 996’
Length:990’Rise: 39’Grade:3.9%Deficit: 310’
Length:990’Rise: 39’Grade:3.9%Deficit: 310’
Length:585’Rise: 46’Grade:7.9%Deficit: 948’
Length:585’Rise: 46’Grade:7.9%Deficit: 948’
Length:486’Rise: 18’Grade:3.7%Deficit: 114’
Length:486’Rise: 18’Grade:3.7%Deficit: 114’
University Ave
Offramp
University Ave
OfframpLength:474’Rise: 54’Grade:11.4%Deficit:1326’
Length:474’Rise: 54’Grade:11.4%Deficit:1326’
The Washington Street hill is completely inappropriate for a bikeway. Global standards call for sustained grades of maximum 3%, while Washington Street varies from 3.9-7.9%, with the University Avenue offramp an 11.4% grade. What’s more, the removal of parking at the base of Washington Street will have a negative impact on the businesses there, especially as the proposed bike lanes will not attract appreciable numbers of new customers, given the unacceptable grades.
“Deficit,” as used here, means the additional length that would need to be traversed to achieve a 3% grade—nearly ½ mile additional, in total.
21Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Approx. 300’ bicycle tunnel helps reduce grade, avoid traffic, and
preserve existing landscaping
Approx. 300’ bicycle tunnel helps reduce grade, avoid traffic, and
preserve existing landscaping
Bikeway carved into canyonside with landscaping and solid buffers to ensure
privacy for adjacent properties
Bikeway carved into canyonside with landscaping and solid buffers to ensure
privacy for adjacent properties
Drops down into tunnel
Tunnel segment
Mission Hills Shortcut, likely relies on bicycle “spiral” to climb to street level.
Mission Hills Shortcut, likely relies on bicycle “spiral” to climb to street level.
A proposed solution would be to forgo the use of Washington Street, and instead carve a bikeway into the canyon itself, turning the canyon into part of the experience.
22Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
International Design
CompetitionLandscape plan for Washington Street
Canyon and bikeway.
Bikeway: maximum 3% grade;
2% preferable.
Bikeway screened from adjacent properties to
ensure privacy and protection from noise;
may also reduce impacts of road noise.
Landscaping plan may mix habitat restoration and more decorative
elements.
Design teams must have a local counterpart;
design jury must include representation from adjacent residents.
Judging criteria must include bikeway
functionality, aesthetics, impacts on neighbors,
cost, and delight.
An international design competition, with local participation, could come up with a landscaping and bikeway design for the canyon. The goals would be to create a family-friendly bicycle experience and an enhanced canyon environment. This approach has the potential to create a world-class amenity and attract people from across the region to bicycle Uptown—and spend their money there.
23Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
76’
102’
89’
79’
86’
91’
106’
Elevated bikeway maintains
comfortable 3% grade and preserves
parking and auto travel lanes
Elevated bikeway maintains
comfortable 3% grade and preserves
parking and auto travel lanes
Five Points/Middletown
Bike PlazaBike Plaza Bike
PlazaBike Plaza
Bike Plazas are entryways to the facility, allowing people to access the India Street businesses or to connect with other proposed regional bicycle facilities.
At the foot of Washington Street, the bikeway is elevated over the lower road and the intersections with India Street and San Diego Avenue, keeping bicycles separated from traffic.
24Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
5th & University
Uptown 2025 calls for an underground transit infrastructure in Hillcrest, freeing up surface space for additional parking, and allowing for the reconfiguration of the road to accommodate a bikeway.
25Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Narrow bridge and roadway, even if widened, will not be wide enough to
meet all road needs including bikes.
Narrow bridge and roadway, even if widened, will not be wide enough to
meet all road needs including bikes.
University & Hwy 163
University Avenue in Hillcrest goes through more width changes in less distance than perhaps any other road in San Diego. It would be difficult to fit a protected bikeway into the road, especially by the bridge over Highway 163, given how narrow the bridge is. The solution is to elevate the bikeway over both University Avenue and the existing bridge—but even this will require some significant retooling of University Avenue and the possible loss of some on-street parking. The Uptown 2025 Proposal takes this into account by significantly increasing the parking supply nearby.
26Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
University Avenue, 6th to Hwy 163
May require cutting into sidewalk, reducing width
from 14’ to 8’
Bikeway rises at 6% grade for 260’
Bikeway elevated supports sit in parking lane, with minimum
parking loss.
On-street parking removed from this
block only, replaced on 6th Ave within 300’
One option for a University Avenue bikeway would be to widen the road on the north side, where buildings are already set back ~15’ from the sidewalk. This approach is not without its issues, though.
27Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
University Avenue, 6th to Hwy 163
May require cutting into sidewalk, reducing width
from 14’ to 8’
Bikeway rises at 7% grade for 215’
University Ave reduced to single travel lane with
signalized left-turn pockets. Alternatively, parking may be
removed from one side of street, opening up a second
through-lane in one direction.
Another option for a University Avenue bikeway would be to apply the same treatment as was used on Washington Street. This would reduce travel lanes from two each direction to just one, but would provide left turn pockets to compensate.
28Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Some form of arch bridge could work to carry an elevated bikeway over both University Avenue and its freeway bridge. Why not make that arch an iconic statement of community pride by making it a rainbow? Here the bikeway is seen suspended beneath the rainbow arch.
29Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
PENNSYLVANIAPENNSYLVANIA
6th AveNorth of
Upas
6th AveThe Park
Edge5
th A
VE
5th A
VE
6th A
VE
6th A
VE
UPASUPAS
LAURELLAUREL
JUNIPERJUNIPER
We propose that the main bikeway follow 5th Avenue south from the center of Hillcrest to Pennsylvania Avenue, then shift to 6th Avenue. Other elements of Uptown 2025 (a proposed auto tunnel on 6th Avenue and new surface parking on 6th Avenue) would be integrated with this proposal so that negative impacts are minimized and benefits maximized. South of Upas, further study should explore both a 6th Avenue and Balboa Park Drive alignmnent.
30Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The SW Corner of Balboa PkThe Bike Park
171’
118’
142’
158’
121’
214’
Elevation in Feet: xxx’
Total Elevation Gain:
96’Maximum Grade:
3%Minimum Length:
3200’
Total Elevation Gain:
96’Maximum Grade:
3%Minimum Length:
3200’
A bikeway, curling and snaking its way uphill and connecting Cortez Hill directly with Inspiration Point, would provide an easily bikable grade, allowing even casual cyclists to make their way uphill into Uptown from Downtown. Combined with a separate proposal to create decks over the freeway (with a mix of new building sites and new park space), it would add tremendous value to the surrounding neighborhood.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 31
Benefits to Uptown
Better Serve
Residents and
Business
Better Serve
Residents and
Business
Attract People from Metro Area
Attract People from Metro Area
Increased Tourism
Spending
Increased Tourism
Spending
A properly configured World Class Greenway will not only encourage and protect residents of Uptown who may wish to travel by bicycle, it is sure to attract San Diegans from many other parts who would like to ride on such a facility, as well as visitors to the
region looking for a uniquely San Diego active recreational experience, the kind of thing Millennials in particular look for.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 32
World-Class Public Transit
World-Class Public Transit
World-Class Public TransitWorld-Class
Public TransitUptown 2025
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 33
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 1©2015 by Alan Hoffman
INTRODUCING THE
Quickway Proposal
A CITIZEN-BASED INITIATIVE FOR A FASTER& MORE EFFECTIVERAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR SAN DIEGO
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
Produced by
Alan HoffmanAdvisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
Produced by
Alan HoffmanAdvisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
UPDATED 2 APRIL 2015
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 1©2015 by Alan Hoffman
INTRODUCING THE
Quickway Proposal
A CITIZEN-BASED INITIATIVE FOR A FASTER& MORE EFFECTIVERAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR SAN DIEGO
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
Produced by
Alan HoffmanAdvisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
Produced by
Alan HoffmanAdvisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
UPDATED 2 APRIL 2015
The Quickway Proposal
A community-based 10-year planning effort
Attracts more riders (especially from autos)
than our current plans
Shows how to better serve existing communities
Cheaper to build and operate than our
current plans
www.facebook.com/QuickwayProposalA coalition of community groups developed a regional rapid transit plan that is faster, better located, and more
convenient than our current plans. We built on this base but went beyond to create a real Uptown rapid transit network.
Hillcrest / Mission Hills / Bankers Hill Integrated Vision Concept©2015 by Alan Hoffman 2
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 1©2015 by Alan Hoffman
INTRODUCING THE
Quickway Proposal
A CITIZEN-BASED INITIATIVE FOR A FASTER& MORE EFFECTIVERAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR SAN DIEGO
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
Produced byAlan Hoffman
Advisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
Produced byAlan Hoffman
Advisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
UPDATED 2 APRIL 2015
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 1©2015 by Alan Hoffman
INTRODUCING THE
Quickway Proposal
A CITIZEN-BASED INITIATIVE FOR A FASTER& MORE EFFECTIVERAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR SAN DIEGO
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
for the Scripps Ranch/ Miramar Ranch North Traffic Reduction Project
Produced byAlan Hoffman
Advisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
Produced byAlan Hoffman
Advisor on Transportation and Long-Range Planning
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
[email protected]+1 (619) 232-1776
UPDATED 2 APRIL 2015
The Quickway Proposal
A community-based 10-year planning effort
Attracts more riders (especially from autos) than our current plans
Shows how to better serve existing communities
Cheaper to build and operate than our current plans
www.facebook.com/ QuickwayProposalA coalition of community groups developed an improved regional rapid transit plan that is faster, better located, more convenient,
and would attract many more riders. We built on this base but went beyond to create a real Uptown rapid transit network.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 34
QuickwaysGrade-separated busways
Full rapid transit stations
Support express services
Higher capacity infrastructure
and faster than light railQuickways are grade-separated transitways. As the system is built, buses are used to get the network up and running; at build-out, we can then look at upgrading to an appropriate rail technology (hopefully faster than our Trolley).
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 35San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 126
The Quickway Proposal
Heavy RailLight RailQuickwayStreetcar
At-Grade BuswayFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway Lanes
Hillcrest / Mission Hills / Bankers Hill Integrated Vision Concept©2015 by Alan Hoffman 4San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 126
The Quickway Proposal
Heavy RailLight RailQuickwayStreetcar
At-Grade BuswayFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway LanesFreeway Lanes
The Quickway Proposal shows how the right infrastructure can support a robust network of local and express services that would be significantly fasterthan today’s transit system (www.quickwayproposal.wix.com/proposal).
The Quickway Proposal shows how the right infrastructure can support a robust network of local and express services that would
be significantly faster than today’s transit system (www.quickwayproposal.wix.com/proposal).
36Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
HOTEL CIRCLE
UCSD HILLCREST
HILLCREST CENTRAL
Elevated
Surface
Tunnel
“Let’s take the Quickway to
Uptown for dinner & a movie.”
The Uptown Quickway
2.4 Mile-long facility
Connects to Trolley at
Fashion Valley
Cuts travel time from Hillcrest
Central to Fashion Valley
from 10-12 minutes
to just 5 minutes
Serves both hospitals
2371 hotel rooms within a ≈5-minute walk of Hotel Circle
Station
MERCY
UPTOWN DISTRICT
ALBATROSS
MISSION HILLS
The Uptown Quickway links Uptown to its surrounding communities with real rapid transit infrastructure including 7 rapid transit stations.
37Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 18
In addition, we propose a new Rapid Bus terminal for the Fashion Valley Transit Center. The illustration top right shows a San Diego-inspired design for such a terminal; lower right is a similar station in South America, where such systems are now common.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
1. Transit: The Uptown Quickway
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 65
Bus volumes justify expense of grade
separation, which in turn makes transit faster, cheaper to
operate, and attract more riders.
Bus volumes justify expense of grade
separation, which in turn makes transit faster, cheaper to
operate, and attract more riders.
Tunnel
Mezzanine
Platforms
The proposed Hillcrest Central Quickway station is a future SuperStation, serving both all-stops and express routes. Ridership projections show well over 10,000 daily boardings upon network build-out, essentially pulling many thousands of auto trips off the roads of Uptown, reducing both traffic and parking impacts. We propose the use of bored tunnels here, to minimize any surface impacts and protect mature street trees.
39Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The proposed Quickway station by the Uptown District (newly renamed “The Hub”) is a future SuperStation, serving both all-stops and express routes. Anticipated routes would provide faster trips than driving to many regional destinations. Transit vehicles would enter the Quickway tunnel by Normal St.
40Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The Quickway system proposed here, with its underground stations, is based on a very successful real-world example. This is a passenger platform at a Quickway station in Australia. Buses pass through in a tunnel just to the right of this platform, which is separated by windows from the vehicles.
41Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman Hillcrest / Mission Hills / Bankers Hill Integrated Vision Concept©2015 by Alan Hoffman 8
At an underground Quickway station in Australia, people board vehicles through sliding glass doors.
At an underground Quickway station in Australia, people board vehicles through sliding glass doors.
42Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESS
SANTA FE DEPOT
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESSUPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT
SANTA FE DEPOT
UPTOWN DISTRICT
1 2 3 4
Waiting for vehicle
Quickway stations are real rapid transit stations, with live information announcing arrivals, full overhead protection, and sliding glass doors that match up to the doors on the transit vehicle. Regardless of mode—rail or bus—you should have the same consistent experience. Mode shouldn’t matter.
43Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESS
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESSUPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT
SANTA FE DEPOT
SANTA FE DEPOT
1 2 3 4
Vehicle arrives
Quickway stations are real rapid transit stations, with live information announcing arrivals, full overhead protection, and sliding glass doors that match up to the doors on the transit vehicle. Regardless of mode—rail or bus—you should have the same consistent experience. Mode shouldn’t matter.
44Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
UPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT
Boarding
S10SDSU
EXPRESS
Boarding
S10SDSU
EXPRESSSANTA FE
DEPOTSANTA FE
DEPOT
1 2 3 4
Board vehicle
Quickway stations are real rapid transit stations, with live information announcing arrivals, full overhead protection, and sliding glass doors that match up to the doors on the transit vehicle. Regardless of mode—rail or bus—you should have the same consistent experience. Mode shouldn’t matter.
45Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESSHILLCREST CENTRALHORTON PLAZA
SANTA FE DEPOT
Now Arriving
S10SDSU
EXPRESSUPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT UPTOWN DISTRICT
HILLCREST CENTRALHORTON PLAZA
SANTA FE DEPOT
SERVING STATIONS:
Boarding
S10SDSU
EXPRESS
Boarding
S10SDSU
EXPRESS
Next Vehicle
U80UTC
EXPRESS
3 Minutes
Next Vehicle
U80UTC
EXPRESS
3 Minutes
1 2 3 4
Vehicle departs
Quickway stations are real rapid transit stations, with live information announcing arrivals, full overhead protection, and sliding glass doors that match up to the doors on the transit vehicle. Regardless of mode—rail or bus—you should have the same consistent experience. Mode shouldn’t matter.
46Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Fashion Valley
Hotel CircleUCSD
Hillcrest
Upas
Laurel/Balboa Pk
Cortez
BroadwayGaslamp
CentralConvention
Ctr
Uptown
District
Mercy
Hillcrest
Central
The Uptown Quickway can be the catalyst for a number of new Rapid Bus routes, some of which are conversions of existing express buses. Uptown gets a true rapid transit network, with competitive travel times, station-based boarding, and connections to many surrounding zones.
In this example, the existing El Cajon Boulevard Rapid Bus Route (black) is split into two routes: the existing and a new one that follows the same route along El Cajon Blvd, but then turns west at University Avenue and uses the Quickway to access Fashion Valley, giving Mid-City residents quicker access to Mission Valley and the Trolley. Other routes link Fashion Valley to Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and Downtown, and North Park, as well as directly linking Mission Hills with North Park, Bankers Hill, and Downtown.
47Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 14Uptown 2025 Proposal: Transit©2015 by Alan Hoffman
El Cajon Blvd/ I-15 Transit Plaza to UCSD Hillcrest Hospital (arr. by 8 am)
TODAY UPTOWN 2025San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 69
TROLLEY RIDERSHIP
QUICKWAY RIDERSHIP
COASTER RIDERSHIP
Source:
Modeling of ridership using 2006 trip data
Source:
Modeling of ridership using 2006 trip data
San Diego Quickway Proposal©2015 by Alan Hoffman 69
TROLLEY RIDERSHIP
QUICKWAY RIDERSHIP
COASTER RIDERSHIP
Source:
Modeling of ridership using 2006 trip data
Source:
Modeling of ridership using 2006 trip data
:36
:19
New Rapid Bus routes can take advantage of the Uptown Quickway to improve connectivity and cut travel times significantly. Modeling of the Quickway Proposal showed massive ridership at system build-out (right) through Uptown—and over 10,000 boardings just at the proposed Hillcrest Central Station. That’s many thousands of auto trips that are pulled off the streets.
Travel time improvements are equally dramatic. Someone going to work at the UCSD Hospital in Hillcrest will see their transit journey from the El Cajon Blvd/ I-15 transit station go from 36 minutes to just 19 minutes, a near halving of trip time. As the Quickway network is extended, that time would be cut in half again, to under 10 minutes. This is faster than driving and parking.
El Cajon Blvd/I-15 Transit Plaza to UCSD Hillcrest Hospital (arr. by 8 am)
TODAY UPTOWN 2025
:36
:19
New Rapid Bus routes can take advantage of the Uptown Quickway to improve connectivity and cut travel times significantly. Modeling of the Quickway Proposal showed massive ridership at system build-out (right) through Uptown—and over 10,000 boardings just at the proposed Hillcrest Central Station. That’s many thousands of auto trips that are pulled off the streets.
Travel time improvements are equally dramatic. Someone going to work at the UCSD Hospital in Hillcrest will see their transit journey from the El Cajon Blvd/ I-15 transit station go from 36 minutes to just 19 minutes, a near halving of trip time. As the Quickway network is extended, that time would be cut in half again, to under 10 minutes. This is faster than driving and parking.
48Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Several existing bus routes would automatically be routed through the new Uptown Quickway, slashing travel time and improving the travel experience.
49Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
MISSION HILLS
FASHION VLY
HOTEL CIRCLE
UCSD HILLCREST
MERCY
HILLCREST CENTRAL
UPTOWN DISTRICT
PARK & UNIVERSITY
PARK & EL CAJON BLVD
UPAS
LAUREL/BALBOA PK
CORTEZ
HORTON PLAZA
11
11
1
SD TROLLEY
10
83
103 3
215
120
Rapid BusLocal Bus
Mission Hills served by three Rapid Bus routes that use the Quickway to speed access to points north, east, south, and west, slashing travel time and improving connectivity.
LEGEND:
OLD TOWN
WASHINGTON ST
ALBATROSS
Quickway
Existing routes would all take advantage of the Uptown Quickway, automatically becoming a rapid transit network.
50Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
NEWMISSION HILLS
FASHION VLY
HOTEL CIRCLE
UCSD HILLCREST
MERCY
HILLCREST CENTRAL
UPTOWN DISTRICT
PARK & UNIVERSITY
PARK & EL CAJON BLVD
UPAS
LAUREL/BALBOA PK
CORTEZ
HORTON PLAZA
11
11
1
SD TROLLEY
10
83
103 3
215
NEW
120
NEW
NEW
Rapid BusLocal Bus
Mission Hills served by three Rapid Bus routes that use the Quickway to speed access to points north, east, south, and west, slashing travel time and improving connectivity.
LEGEND:
OLD TOWN
WASHINGTON ST
ALBATROSS
With Quickway infrastructure in place, new Rapid Bus routes become more cost-effective.
FIVE PTS
Quickway
51Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Uptown 2025 QuickwayFuture Quickway
San Diego Trolley
Future Streetcar
Other Transitway
Uptown 2025 SuperStationFuture SuperStationUptown 2025 StationFuture Quickway StationTrolley Station
Streetcar Station
Rapid Bus Station
Uptown 2025 Rapid Bus Line
LEGEND
Future Quickway extensions would significantly slash travel times by transit and lead to massive ridership growth. “SuperStations” would serve a new Rapid Express network, cutting travel times even more. A robust streetcar network is also proposed.
Driving: Improving
Traffic
Driving: Improving
Traffic
53Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Traffic in Uptown typically ties up 6th Avenue north of Upas and Washington Street around 4th and 5th Avenues. This map depicts relative traffic flows for each of the major roads using the City of San Diego’s most recent traffic counts.
10,000 DAILY TRIPS20,000 DAILY TRIPS30,000 DAILY TRIPS
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
To deal with the traffic backups on 6th Avenue, a new two-lane road tunnel is proposed crossing beneath University, Robinson, and Pennsylvania Avenues. This will improve access to Bankers Hill and remove northbound traffic from the heart of Hillcrest. This tunnel also frees up surface space for additional parking.
6TH
AV
E
7TH
AV
E
5TH
AV
E
UNIVERSITY AVE
WASHINGTON ST
ROBINSON AVE
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
6TH
AV
E
5TH
AV
E
55Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Proposed Washington Street Traffic Tunnel
The Uptown 2025 Proposal suggests that a traffic tunnel (one lane each direction) on Washington Street is warranted to deal with excessive queuing and long through times for automotive traffic. The proposed tunnel will allow through-traffic to avoid the congestion knots of 4th and 5th Avenue, and free up additional surface space to increase on-street parking on Washington Street, benefiting local businesses and helping absorb additional expected growth.
The street plan given before shows how a median bikeway could be implemented in the short-term. The following street plan shows how the street might be reconfigured once the tunnel is constructed.
56Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
STAGE II—ROAD TUNNEL: Washington Street, Third to Fifth, with Auto Tunnel
The tunnel entrance/exit can be seen just to the east of 5th Avenue. An added benefit of the tunnel is that signal cycles on 4th and 5th Avenues can be adjusted to account for the reduction in east/west traffic on Washington Street.
57Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Albatross
Station Locatio
n
Albatross
Station Locatio
n
STAGE II—ROAD TUNNEL: Washington Street, Brant to Third, with Auto Tunnel
Alternative configuration preserves curbside parking/drop-off space
Alternative configuration preserves curbside parking/drop-off space
This image shows how a Greenway could be configured through West Washington Street with an integrated road tunnel to carry through-traffic beneath the traffic knots on the eastern portion of the road. This road tunnel could mesh with a proposed “Quickway” (grade-separated transitway) stub on Washington, allowing for a “subway” station between Albatross and First Avenues.
Parking: Parking Ramblas
Parking: Parking Ramblas
59Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Sixth AvenueUniversity to Robinson
Parking Spaces: 30 Rambla
9 Parallel39 Total
Current Parking Spaces: 12 ParallelIncrease in Parking: UP TO 27 SPACES
“Parking Ramblas” were so named by Stefanos Polyzoides, who developed them for downtown Lancaster, California.
They mix median angled parking with landscaping, providing significant new on-street parking along with greenery.
60Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Bus entry to Quickway; sidewalk this side removed.
PARKING RAMBLA
PARKING RAMBLA
In addition to the 27 additional parking spaces provided by the parking rambla proposed for the block of 6th Avenue bounded by University and Robinson Avenues, a greater number of spaces can be created in the block south of there.
RO
BIN
SO
N
PEN
NSYLV
AN
IA
Sixth AvenueRobinson to Pennsylvania
61Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The parking ramblas of Lancaster are credited with helping stimulate business and new development in that desert community’s downtown.
62Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The scale of Lancaster’s parking ramblas is hinted at in this photo.
They stretch for many blocks.
63Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
A view down Lancaster Boulevard. For 6th Avenue, we are proposing grouping parking slots in twos in order to generate additional parking but still provide opportunities for many new trees.
64Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Little pocket parks can be built into the parking rambla, providing shady seating and a place for people.
65Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
The parking ramblas proposed for 6th Avenue will benefit all businesses in Hillcrest center, but especially the businesses on 6th Avenue itself.
66Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
University Avenue – Uptown District
The stretch of University Avenue by the Uptown Center (recently renamed the “HUB”) is excessively wide. This image shows the proposed underground transit Quickway and station.
67Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Parking Spaces: 26
University Avenue between Vermont and Normal Street: Current Configuration
68Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Parking Spaces: 32
University Avenue between Vermont and Normal Street: Proposed Parking Rambla
Bikeway
University Avenue by the Uptown Center can be reconfigured to support both a median bikeway and parking rambla, all while preserving all traffic lanes and curbside parking.
69Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Synergies:
What else is possible?
Synergies:
What else is possible?
70Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Hillcrest Welcome
CenterParking - Bike Parking
NEV Parking - Shops
Residences - Offices
There are at least three potential locations for a Hillcrest Welcome Center, a facility that can act as the station head for the below ground Quickway station, as well as parking, bicycle facilities, and perhaps appropriate mixed uses.
71Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Hillcrest Welcome
CenterParking - Bike Parking
NEV Parking - Shops
Residences - Offices
There are at least three potential locations for a Hillcrest Welcome Center, a facility that can act as the station head for the below ground Quickway station, as well as parking, bicycle facilities, and perhaps appropriate mixed uses.
72Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Hillcrest Welcome
CenterParking - Bike Parking
NEV Parking - Shops
Residences - Offices
Features:1st Hour Free Parking
2-3 Hours Discounted
NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)
parking for nearby residents
Bicycle storage and showers
Features:1st Hour Free Parking
2-3 Hours Discounted
NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle)
parking for nearby residents
Bicycle storage and showers
There are at least three potential locations for a Hillcrest Welcome Center, a facility that can act as the station head for the below ground Quickway station, as well as parking, bicycle facilities, and perhaps appropriate mixed uses.
73Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman
Washington Street Canyon Bikeway and Landscaping
Washington Street Canyon Bikeway and Landscaping
Washington Street Bikeway & TransitWashington Street Bikeway & Transit
Uptown QuickwayUptown
Quickway
6th Ave Bikeway6th Ave
Bikeway
Balboa Park
Bikeway
Balboa Park
Bikeway
Hillcrest Center Bikeway & Quickway
Hillcrest Center Bikeway & Quickway
6th Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
6th Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave Bikeway and
Parking Rambla
University Ave
Bikeway & Bridge
University Ave
Bikeway & Bridge
Uptown 2025 Proposal
Fully integrated mix of world-class bikeways, leading-edge transit,
enhanced landscaping and canyons, improved
parking, and improved traffic
flows.
Approximate cost: About ½% of the
Regional Transportation Plan.
Benefit:Infrastructure to support the Mayor’s ambitious
Climate Action Plan goals and set Uptown up
for many decades of continued thriving.
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 74
Key Take-Aways
Infrastructure investments
should support each other, not create problems
that then require special
efforts to resolve.
Infrastructure investments
should support each other, not create problems
that then require special
efforts to resolve.
SynergiesSynergiesYou vote for
elected officials. You need to hold them
accountable for the choices they
(and our institutions)
make.
You vote for elected officials.
You need to hold them
accountable for the choices they
(and our institutions)
make.
AccountabilityAccountabilityYou either choose the
future that most appeals to you, or you will get the future that is forced upon you. It’s your
choice.
You either choose the
future that most appeals to you, or you will get the future that is forced upon you. It’s your
choice.
ChoiceChoiceWithout a
coherent vision, you’ll be
buffeted by “technical
analysis” and told “the money
isn’t there.”
Without a coherent vision,
you’ll be buffeted by “technical
analysis” and told “the money
isn’t there.”
VisionVision
Sorry, that’s not possible.Sorry, that’s not possible.
How do we make it
possible?
How do we make it
possible?
“Convenient” response:
“Convenient” response:
Our response:Our response:
Uptown 20205 Proposal© 2015 by Alan Hoffman 75
Please Visit our Facebook Page
www. facebook.com/uptown2025
www. facebook.com/uptown2025