Incomplete Homes

Abstract

Unsafe Street in Jacksonville, Florida and what can we do to make it safer with complete street practices. The incomplete street equals incomplete communities. New developments are not being connected with existing ones, which create unsafe areas. Many are killed while walking on incomplete streets. Claire Lane is in Jacksonville, Florida, and is not only unsafe for pedestrians but also vehicles that cross between plazas. This road has many issues such as bad pedestrian lighting and ditches that pedestrians must walk by. Claire Lane is a street that connects to San Jose Boulevard that goes through residential, apartments, and two commercial plazas. The lack of sidewalks, the presence of ditches, poor lighting, and traffic cause this area to be unsafe to pedestrians and vehicles. The volume of traffic in this area is high because of the commercial retail stores and restaurants, including Walmart.

This study is to provide awareness on unsafe streets and to provide recommendation for a transition to a “Complete Streets” model. Adding elements such as sidewalks, lighting, traffic separators, changing pavement marking lines, and adding a bioswale design with a new pedestrian crossing for the apartment nearby can create a complete street and will help reduce risk of mortality. While gathering data from the community with an online survey questionnaire, it pointed me to the right direction and topics on what the people need in their neighborhood. With my expertise, I have gathered true data on crashes that are occurring in Claire Lane that can be linked to these missing elements that a complete street will bring. Most important question is why this corridor hasn’t been attempted to with these updated elements? The findings made me bring ideas and safety design to make this road updated the current standards, adding a new 6’ width sidewalk, curb ramp, pedestrian lighting, and a median guide to help traffic flow in decrease accident between two plazas. Having a complete street policy or the idea of how city officials handle these practices will make neighborhoods safer and promote the economy. By adding these concepts of "complete streets" planning, designing, and construction of streets elements, that allow safe access for all users, including drivers and pedestrians.