LAFAYETTE, La. -- A portion of Bertrand Drive in Lafayette one day may be a spot for leisurely strolls, bicycle rides and sidewalk cafés.
The Advocate reported (http://bit.ly/YUZcQQ) the proposed city-parish budget for next year includes $700,000 for a streetscape project that would reduce a portion of the four-lane road to two or three lanes, add sidewalks and possibly include landscaping and on-street parking.
The goal is to make Bertrand between Johnston Street and College Drive a friendly corridor for foot and bike traffic and to spur business development, said Kevin Blanchard, city-parish chief development officer.
"We want it to work for the bicyclists, the walkers, the cars and the businesses in the area," he said.
The streetscape project, assuming funding comes through, is still three to four years out, but the state Department of Transportation and Development is expected to restripe the road later this year, shifting the lines to reduce the road from four to three lanes and using the reworked space for bike lanes.
"That's a good first step," Blanchard said.
The long-term plan still is being developed.
Blanchard said sidewalks are certain in the plan, but no decision has been made on whether the road would be three lanes or two.
Landscaping is being considered as well as options to address a parking shortage for some businesses along the street, he said.
The plan calls for keeping Bertrand at four lanes where it intersects with College and Johnston.
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