The drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who routinely take Ivinson Avenue to school and work might have a safer commute in the future.
City council passed a motion this week approving the submittal of a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) application, which, if awarded, would give up to $1 million for Ivinson Avenue improvements.
Chamois Andersen, who lives on Ivinson, voiced her opinion at the council meeting.
“I don’t think it’s premature for the public to be getting involved, particularly homeowners like myself,” Andersen said. “One of our favorite things to do is sit on our front porch and, as we say, watch the world go by.”
Andersen said wider bike lanes; a less bowed road and more distance between parked cars, bike lanes and traffic would all make her street safer.
“I’m all in favor of making sure it’s safe,” she said.
The city already earmarked $200,000 for the project, but of all the potential projects that could have been aided by TAP funding, Sarah Reese, Laramie’s grants analyst, said Ivinson was the most deserving.
“Ivinson Avenue rose to the top of the list because we can tag onto existing funds that we have already committed,” Reese said. “This helps to kind of provide a buffer for additional funding in the face of a volatile construction project, so we can assure that bicycle improvements are fundable as we move forward with the project.”
The city does not have any specific plans for the proposed renovations yet, but had to decide on the TAP application before Wyoming Department of Transportation’s July 15 deadline.
The motion passed unanimously.
