Plan for a safe, efficient, appropriate, responsible, integrated, multi-modal transportation system throughout the Wilmington Urban Area over the next 25 years. (Yellow text taken from 2035 Cape Fear Commutes Vision Statement)
Safe: Reduces injuries and improves the sense of safety for all users
A bikeway and pedestrian walk on the Skyway Bridge will provide a safe bike and pedestrian connection between New Hanover and Brunswick County and the Town of Leland.
Efficient: Moves the most people and goods in a cost effective manner, while using the least amount of resources
A bikeway and pedestrian walk on the Skyway Bridge will be efficient by providing an alternative means to the automobile for crossing the river.
Appropriate: Contributes to the quality of life and character of the region through proper design.
Proper design of the Skyway Bridge by including a bikeway and pedestrian crossing will contribute to the quality of life and character of the region.
Responsible: Protects existing investments and limits environmental and social impacts
Substantial investment is currently being made in Wilmington on the Cross City Trail. Brunswick County and the Town of Leland are working on a Greenway / Blueway Master Plan or Bicycle Plan. These investments in infrastructure will be protected and enhanced with the addition of a bikeway and pedestrian crossing on the Skyway Bridge that will tie access to the Cross City Trail, Leland’s bike lanes and the East Coast Greenway System.
Integrated: Links with other transportation and land use plans as well as future infrastructure investments
The bikeway and pedestrian crossing on the Skyway Bridge will link with other transportation and land use plans as well as future infrastructure investments like the cross city trail and Leland and Brunswick County bike lanes now being planned.
Multi- Modal: Provides a choice of modes for most trips
Although the Skyway Bridge is being planned to provide an alternate means for automobile and trucks to cross the Cape Fear River, it also provides an opportunity to provide a choice of mode with inclusion of a bikeway and pedestrian crossing making the Cape Fear River Skyway Bridge a truly multi-modal facility to server the region for years to come.
