A New Project in the Old North End
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Julia Ursaki, a transportation engineer for Burlington’s department of public works. She is the project manager for the Old North End Greenway Quick-Build project. The greenway makes a safer community to walk, bike, and manage stormwater while calming traffic for residential streets. A Quick-Build project uses paint and adjustable materials to test out the street’s safety efficiently before any permanent changes are made. The Old North End project is currently between phases and as an engineer, Julia is working to have all the pieces fall into place to create a permanent growth for sustainable travel from Sherman Street to Mansfield Avenue. On the idea of being an engineer for these projects, Julia states, “One of the best parts of being in a job like this is being able to see the development within a community that I am a part of. As a UVM alumni, I hope that this project can benefit students living off campus and create a stronger transportation system on and around campus.”
Example of a Quick-Build curb extension near Peru St., via DPW
A special characteristic of the Quick-Build initiative is that residents can get involved and see results immediately with real-time feedback. Neighborhood engagement with flexible materials creates a safer place to live. The community input indicated that folks living in the Sherman St./Mansfield Ave area use alternative routes for travels because of safety concerns, convenience, and lack of traffic. Surveys are continually being given for direct responses from affected populations. This project is being catered for a specific audience, administering the perfect plan for citizens of Burlington.
Burlington Public Works has been working hard to reinvest in the city with much more than just the North End Greenway. The Union Street Protected Bike Lane is another design being created for safer on-street bicycling in a bustling area of town. Winter climate is one of the major setbacks in Burlington, breaking barrier posts and other flimsy materials. Julia says working with lower quality resources to complete the quick aspect of the design is a frustrating part of the Quick-Build process. However, the Old North End is entering the permanent engineering phase. Finding the best team, completing all the behind-the-scenes approvals and a long road of trial and error can be infuriating. It is a 1-5 year estimated process to lock down a lasting plan, but once completed, the Old North end will be updated indefinitely. As for a current update, the department of Public Works is collaborating with a consultant to make curb extensions permanent.
From better storm water drainage, more greenspaces, easier bike routes to get pedestrians up the steep Main Street hill and overall encouraging sustainable transportation, I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the Old North End’s completion. We continue to grow as a city every day towards a greener future with the help of these small Quick-Builds being put into action throughout Burlington.
