Residents view plans for the next phase of improvements to College Avenue during a public meeting at the Fayetteville Public Library on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. (Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer)FAYETTEVILLE — Some changes are coming to North College Avenue in midtown.
Residents on Monday got a look at the plans for the next round of improvements to the north-south arterial during a public input session held at the Fayetteville Public Library’s Walker Community Room.
City officials hosted a three-hour, drop-in event, and showed off concepts for the improvements, which are part of the city’s 71B Corridor master plan. By re-thinking the area, officials set out to improve the corridor’s economic vitality, address congestion issues, increase affordable housing, make it safe and convenient for all modes of travel, encourage active and healthy living, and create an attractive front door to Fayetteville’s downtown and adjacent neighborhoods.
The plan includes two areas: North College Avenue from North Street to the northern city limits near Lake Fayetteville, and Archibald Yell Boulevard/South School Avenue from Rock Street to Cato Springs Road.
Improvements have already been completed on College Avenue from the downtown area north to North Street.
This latest phase of work includes an overhaul of the road from North Street to Sycamore Street.
Large-scale prints of the plans for the next phase of improvements to College Avenue were on display during a public meeting at the Fayetteville Public Library on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. (Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer)The designs feature two cross sections for the 80-foot-wide road – one for areas that include a median between four travel lanes, and one for areas that need a fifth lane for turning.
Both cross sections include sidewalks on both sides of the road, with trees and streetlights placed in certain areas.
Under the proposal, driving lanes would be reduced in width from 12 feet to 11 feet on the outside lanes. Inside lane widths would depend on whether the area includes a median. In areas with a median, inside lanes would be 9 feet wide, and areas without a median would have a 10-foot inside lane. Sidewalks would be 6 feet wide and separated from vehicles by a 6-foot green space buffer.
Officials will take public comment on the designs through an online survey available through Aug. 23. Residents are encouraged to look over the plans and provide feedback before the survey closes.
Areas with a 10-foot median
In areas with a median, inside lanes would be 9 feet wide. (City of Fayetteville)Areas with an 11-foot turn lane
Areas without a median would have a 10-foot inside lane. (City of Fayetteville)
