Major changes are coming to one of Fresno’s main streets next year.
Fresno city officials are slated to kick off construction on part of Blackstone Ave. in central Fresno next year with a focus on eliminating vehicle lanes to make way for a protected bike lane and sidewalks.
The backstory: In 2019, the Fresno City Council approved the Southern Blackstone Avenue Smart Mobility Strategy, which followed up on the 2014 general plan to transform Blackstone Ave.
- The Council found that traffic on Blackstone Ave. does not necessitate three lanes on each side, leading to the approval of the plan.
The big picture: Under the plan, Blackstone Ave. would be divided into three areas, putting Highway 180 to McKinley Ave. together, McKinley Ave. to Shields Ave. together and the third area of Shields Ave. to Dakota Ave.
- Along with protected bike paths, which would cut traffic lines from three to two on each side, the city plans to reduce the speed limit from Highway 180 to Dakota Ave. from 40 mph to 30 mph. That would only occur after the city conducts studies, Public Works Director Scott Mozier told GV Wire.
- The plan also calls for enhanced lighting and landscaping as development continues along the corridor.
- While bike lanes would initially be installed with flexible posts as a barrier, the city plans to have developers build concrete dividers with landscaping in the long-term.
- The transformation would be similar to what the city did to Palm Ave. south of Dakota Ave.
Here’s a look at how Blackstone would change: …