Ridge Road

Purpose of Improvements

The segment between Manning Drive and Stadium Drive is a high priority connection to create an alternative north-south route to the internal Kenan Path network.

Existing Conditions

• Ridge Road consists of three distinct cross sections:
  • Segment A: Manning Drive to Rams Head Parking Deck: 34-foot wide street with on-street parking and 13-foot travel lanes transitioning to no parking with a left turn lane at the Rams Head Parking Deck.
  • Segment B: Rams Head Parking Deck to Boshamer Baseball Stadium: 28 feet in width with two 14-foot wide travel lanes.
  • Segment C: North of Boshamer Baseball Stadium, the roadway narrows again to 20 feet. Minimum six-foot wide sidewalks are present continuously on the north and west sides of the roadway.
• Sidewalks are discontinuous on the south and east sides of the road.
• Wikimap users noted that pavement quality on Ridge Road is poor and sightlines along the winding portion do not allow drivers to easily see bicyclists on the road.
• The roadway is maintained by UNC-CH.

Short-Term Recommendation Options

Further study will be required to select one of the following options.

Climbing Lane (A & B)

Stripe a 5-foot wide north-bound bicycle climbing lane by narrowing inside travel lanes to 10 or 11 feet from Manning Drive to Stadium Drive. Place shared lane markings in the center of the southbound curb lane with BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE signs.

Primary Implementation Challenges: coordination and approval of narrow lanes with Town.

Probable Construction Cost: $39,690

Shared Lane Markings (A & B)

In the event narrow travel lanes are not feasible, add shared-lane markings in the center of the outside lanes with BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE signs from Stadium Drive to South Road.

Primary Implementation Challenges: coordination with Town

Probable Construction Cost: $7,720

Long-Term Recommendation Options

Further study will be required to select one of the following options.

Section A: Manning Drive to Rams Head Deck (34 feet curb-to-curb width)

Bicycle Lanes

Remove parking and remove center turn lane to add 6-foot bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: removal of parking and turn lane.

Probable Construction Cost: $32,800

Bicycle Lanes

Maintain parking and left turn lane and widen roadway on the east side to add 6-foot bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $798,020

Shared Use Path

Maintain parking and left turn lane and reconstruct sidewalk on east side to a 16-foot-wide shared use path.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls, and drainage changes

Probable Construction Cost: $275,420

Section B: Rams Head Deck to Stadium Drive (28 feet curb-to-curb width)

Bicycle Lanes

Widen roadway 6 feet to add 6-foot bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $399,010

Shared Use Path

Maintain climbing lane and reconstruct sidewalk on south side to a 16-foot wide shared use path.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $137,710

Section C: Stadium Drive to Country Club Road (20 feet curb-to-curb width)

Climbing Lanes

Widen roadway 6 feet to add a 6-foot climbing lane.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $802,560

Bicycle Lanes

Widen roadway 12 feet to add 6-foot bicycle lanes.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $1,596,040

Shared Use Path

Reconstruct the west sidewalk into 16-foot-wide shared-use path.

Primary Implementation Challenges: grading, potential retaining walls and drainage changes associated with road widening.

Probable Construction Cost: $550,840