Franklin Boulevard Transformation

Franklin Boulevard Preferred Alternative

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020 the preferred alternative for Franklin Boulevard (also known as the preferred final concept design) was revealed at a public open house. If you were unable to attend the public open house, you can view the final concept design, and all information shared, here.

Why was this project identified?

Franklin Boulevard, with its wide lanes and fast-moving vehicles, can be uninviting, unsafe and an uncomfortable street. For people who walk, bike or ride the bus, Franklin Boulevard can be a significant barrier to getting from place to place.

Fortunately, the future of Franklin Boulevard is brighter. The Franklin Boulevard Transformation project will encourage new ways for businesses and neighborhoods near Franklin Boulevard to redevelop the street into a more comfortable connector of places, rather than a divider.

What has the process been?

Planning for the project began in January 2019 with the goal to improve Franklin Boulevard from Alder Street to Interstate-5, including Garden Avenue. The project aims to transform Franklin Boulevard from an auto-focused state highway into a pleasant, multi-modal, urban corridor that is safe for all people, including those who walk, bike, roll, take the bus and drive.

Since then, staff has engaged with the community through multiple public involvement activities, including two workshops, online surveys and meetings with interested parties. Through public input and professional analysis, the three corridor alternatives that were shared in May 2019 have been evaluated and revised into one preferred alternative, which was shared at the Open House on March 10, 2020.