City crews are working on Ferrell Street this week as part of a N.C. Department of Transportation project that will see hundreds of feet of sidewalks constructed and repaired in order to offer connectivity from Butler Avenue to Sunset Avenue.
Clinton-Sampson Planning staff contacted DOT in 2014 regarding possible funding for its Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan. After evaluating potential projects, the agency agreed to fund sidewalk connections from Butler Avenue School to Sunset Avenue School for up to $128,000. There is no match required for the city. Now that project is coming to fruition.
In all, about 980 feet of new sidewalk will be constructed, and some sidewalk in disrepair along Ferrell, Chestnut and Fayetteville streets will be overhauled.
Specifically, the $128,000 will fund upgrades along Chestnut and Ferrell streets, which connect Sunset Avenue School and Butler Avenue School. Improvements will consist of the installation of 5-foot concrete sidewalks, curb ramps and drainage modifications to connect existing sections of sidewalk.
There is 360 total feet of new sidewalk proposed for Chestnut Street on either side of the West Elizabeth Street intersection, which has already been the site of work last month. Additionally, there is 620 feet of new sidewalk proposed for Ferrell Street, extending from West John to West Morisey Boulevard. Along with sidewalk construction, the grant funds will address handicap accessible ramps and curb improvements along the route between Butler Avenue School and Sunset Avenue School.
“We wanted to ensure connectivity to our schools,” City manager Shawn Purvis said. “We are still exploring options to get to the high school and middle school.”
Last summer, the city completed the first sidewalk project identified in its Pedestrian Plan. That project on Barden Street allowed pedestrians to walk safely from Fayetteville Street to Dogwood Circle and then to the walking trail at the Sampson Center.
Adopted in 2012 to promote pedestrian safety and guide pedestrian improvements and connectivity throughout the city, the plan recommended construction of 36 new sidewalks or greenways.
Clinton-Sampson Planning director Mary Rose has noted the Ferrell Street project will prove beneficial for pedestrians and noted that city efforts to continue on that path of upgrades would be ongoing.
“New sidewalks will be constructed in places along this route that currently do not have sidewalk to complete the sidewalk network,” she commented. “Planning staff is pleased with the assistance and efforts of N.C. DOT in working diligently to find funds to improve our pedestrian facilities. Planning staff will continue to search for funds to improve our pedestrian network.”
