HUNTER DWORACZYK [email protected]
Work on a street project that has sparked criticism online from residents is expected to be completed in about two weeks, city officials said Friday, Dec. 29.
Mallard Lane is undergoing full-depth reclamation, resurfacing and striping from Carlos G. Parker Boulevard to Main Street as part of the city’s “Taylor on the Move!” street maintenance project.
One aspect of the changes that has drawn confusion from some residents is the new pattern changes. There is now a two-way cycle track on the north side of Mallard Lane.
On Dec. 21, the city of Taylor said that construction on the bike lanes was delayed due to inclement weather.
“Rainy weather in the two weeks leading up to Christmas delayed construction and the completion of striping,” said Kendra Maness, assistant public information officer. “The contractor is anticipated to remobilize from the holiday break this week and the lanes will remain closed until final striping is completed to eliminate any confusion.”
Once it is completed, Mallard Lane will have two lanes on the same side going opposite directions designated for cyclists, and two lanes for vehicle travel on the other side of the road. There is a buffer in between the lanes meant for bikes and vehicles.
The bike lanes fit into the goal of the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan, since it provides better connectivity throughout Taylor, Maness said.
Mallard Lane was identified as a priority multi-modal facility, which includes bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
“The lanes provide increased safety for the cyclists in our community as well as safe travel options for children attending school along Mallard Lane,” Maness said.
She added that the changes also provide traffic calming as well as safer multi-modal access along the street.
Street parking is not allowed on Mallard Lane. Maness said parking is prohibited as per a city ordinance that states no person shall park a vehicle at any place where city signs prohibit it.
