Street Improvement Bonds

Where are we today?

There are many ways to measure how Greensboro’s transportation system is performing. In terms of traffic congestion, Greensboro has 53 congested intersections during peak travel times. Ten years ago, there were 33. During peak travel times, 10 percent of major streets operate over capacity. Traffic models project that 18 percent will be over capacity 10 years from now.

Over 600 miles of streets in Greensboro lack sidewalks. Greensboro has a good network of trails and greenways, but as gas prices continue to rise, demand for safe and inviting facilities for walkers, bikers, and other users will also grow. Transit services have expanded, but still do not reach many areas of the City.

Maintenance needs affect all travelers. The City maintains 946 miles of streets, 402 miles of sidewalks, and 105 bridges. Nearly a third of the streets are in poor condition, and one-fifth require resurfacing. Sidewalks, bridges, and buses tell a similar story, and existing funding amount cannot meet these needs.

How did we get here?

Three key factors have helped create the current situation of transportation needs in Greensboro. Like many other cities, Greensboro has been growing. With new residents and jobs, we also have new streets and sidewalks. We must maintain those streets and also must expand public transportation. The City’s transportation system is growing.

At the same time, the dollar isn't going as far as it once did. During the last few years, costs have risen dramatically for all sorts of items needed to maintain and expand a transportation system. This includes materials such as concrete and steel, as well as fuel for buses, benefits for employees, and property acquisition. Costs are increasing.

While the system has grown and costs have risen, funding has not kept up. The City relies on local, state, and federal sources to maintain and expand roadways, improve congested intersections, build and fix sidewalks and greenways, and maintain and expand the public transportation system. In addition, all of the funding from the 2000 Transportation Bonds has been allocated, and no new local capital funding exists. Funding levels are flat or decreasing.

Where will we be tomorrow?

Greensboro has a strong history of making transportation improvements a priority. As a result, Greensboro has relatively good traffic conditions compared to other growing municipalities. City staff have proposed projects that can help manage existing traffic congestion and mitigate anticipated traffic growth if implemented within the next 10 years.

Similarly, we have identified 72 miles of sidewalk-only projects and 31 miles of greenway projects to be constructed in the next 10 years, making critical connections and filling gaps in the nonmotorized transportation network. Major maintenance needs have also been targeted.

Without action, residents can expect additional traffic congestion, more potholes and broken sidewalks, and less choice in how to get around. With positive action, Greensboro will continue to build a balanced, multimodal transportation system that enhances quality of life.