Title
Conversion of SW 2nd Street to a two way street between SW 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue (NB)
This item is a request to convert SW 2nd Street from a one-way street to a two-way street between SW 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue.
Explanation
SW 2nd Street is a one way northbound street from University Avenue to SW 2nd Avenue. When pedestrian traffic is heavy downtown, the Gainesville Police Department closes SW 2nd Street between West University Avenue & SW 1st Avenue. This closure forces traffic to either make a "U" turn at the intersection of SW 1st Avenue and 2nd Street or travel illegally southbound on SW 2nd Street to get to SW 2nd Avenue.
Converting SW 2nd Street to a two-way street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue will address the issues associated with the nightly street closure as well as improve traffic circulation in the southwest portion of downtown. Staff considered converting the entire segment of SW 2nd Street between University Avenue & 2nd Avenue to a two-way street but the intersection geometry and the traffic signalization improvement costs at West University Avenue and 2nd Street make this conversion not practical.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $500 for the installation of a stop sign and associated pavement markings is available in the Traffic Operations Division Budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the conversion of SW 2nd Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue to a two-way street; and 2) authorize the City Manager to implement the changes.