South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
See what could be coming on Las Olas.
FORT LAUDERDALE — A plan is in the works that would transform Las Olas Boulevard, a 2.4-mile stretch with five distinct neighborhoods: Downtown, the Shops, Colee Hammock, the Isles and the beach.
Plans are still in flux, but here are the recommendations of the Corradino Group, a consultant hired by Fort Lauderdale to help come up with a plan.
Downtown District
Extends from South Andrews Avenue to U.S. 1, also known as Federal Highway.
Four-foot bike lanes on both sides of road (between South Andrews Boulevard and Southeast Second Avenue).
No reduction of sidewalk widths (varies from 15 to 16 feet).
No addition of parking on north side of street, where currently none exists.
Removal of several parking spaces for right turn lane onto Third Avenue.
One lane in each direction (11-foot lanes).
Enhanced crossings at intersections.
More shade trees.
For people with disabilities, floating bus stops along bike lanes.
Sidewalks at current width or widened.
Lanes that can be reversed to go all eastbound or westbound in the case of an emergency.
The Shops District
Neighborhood extends from U.S. 1 to SE 12th Avenue.
Curbed curvy roadway from Tunnel Top to 10th Terrace.
Curbed straight roadway from 10th Terrace to bridge.
Bikes sharrows (shared lane marking) and parallel paths on Second Court and Fourth Street. Removal of median. One lane in each direction (11-foot lanes).
Sidewalk varying from 10 feet to 18 feet due to curve.
Lining of shade trees on both sides of road to prioritize shading of pedestrians (and not cars).
Alternating parking on wider portions of curved area (68 parking spaces removed).
Colee Hammock
Neighborhood extends from SE 12th Avenue to Isle of Capri Drive.
Dedicated bike lanes (7-foot cycle tracks).
Double left turn at 15th Avenue.
Existing configuration at Tarpon Drive.
No widening or taking of property north of Second Court.
Two lanes in each direction east of SE 15th Avenue (10 feet wide for inside lanes, 11 feet wide for outside
lanes).
One lane in each direction west of SE 15th Avenue (11-foot lanes).
The Isles
Neighborhood extends from SE 17th Avenue to Coral Way.
Dedicated bike lanes, 7-foot-wide cycle tracks.
Retention of median, 12 feet, with landscaping.
Sidewalk width, 7 feet wide west of 23rd Avenue and generally 6 feet wide east of 23rd Avenue.
Two lanes in each direction.
Narrowing of lanes for traffic calming, 10 feet for inside lanes and 11 feet for outside lanes.
Seating and landscaped areas.
No taking of land around Chima. Retain parking by Chima.
No extension for park space by 23rd Avenue.
Multiple pedestrian crossings.
Sight visibility enhancements.
Shade trees and plant life. Parallel parking relocated to side streets.
The Beach
Extension of median by Birch Road.
Cantilever on both sides of the bridge.
Safe crossings. Ensure continuity of plant palette.