Pensacola’s Vision for a Complete Street: A $4.8 Million Investment in Cervantes Street
The City of Pensacola has recently been awarded a substantial grant of $4,872,791 to fund a transformative redesign of 3.5 miles of Cervantes Street. This funding, part of the 2024 RAISE Grants program, aims to enhance the street with Complete Street features that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Understanding the RAISE Grants
The RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) Grants are a federal initiative designed to support innovative transportation projects across the United States. Pensacola is one of only four projects selected in Florida and among dozens nationwide, highlighting the city’s commitment to improving its infrastructure. The grant will facilitate project development, environmental clearance, and preliminary engineering for the segment of Cervantes Street stretching from North W Street/North V Street to the Bayou Texar Bridge.
Complete Streets: A Holistic Approach to Urban Mobility
The Complete Streets concept is centered around creating streets that accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. This approach aims to foster a safer and more inclusive environment, encouraging active transportation and reducing reliance on vehicles. In 2021, the City of Pensacola took significant steps toward this vision by launching a Complete Streets game plan and hiring dedicated staff to evaluate potential improvements.
The upcoming enhancements to Cervantes Street will include lane elimination, speed management measures, and the implementation of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies. These changes are designed to not only improve safety but also to enhance the overall mobility experience for all users.
A Commitment to Walkability and Accessibility
Pensacola’s commitment to enhancing walkability is evident in its ongoing efforts to secure funding for various projects. In late 2023, the city submitted a grant application to fund two miles of paved trails in downtown Pensacola as part of the statewide Shared Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail program. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader goals of promoting active transportation and creating a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
Caitlin Cerame, Pensacola’s transportation planner, emphasized the importance of the Cervantes project, stating, “This is an opportunity to apply for the design money that we would need to explore those desires further and really see what type of reconfiguration of that street would work and really create a complete streets project that improves mobility for all users.” This statement underscores the city’s proactive approach to addressing community needs and enhancing transportation options.
Long-Term Planning and Community Impact
The Cervantes Street project has been a priority for the Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Board for several years, reflecting a long-term vision for improved transportation infrastructure in the region. The funding will allow the city to explore various design options and engage with the community to ensure that the final outcome meets the needs of all users.
Other Florida projects that received 2024 RAISE grants include significant funding for the City of Tampa, Alachua County, and the City of Lake Wales, showcasing a statewide commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and promoting sustainable mobility solutions.
Conclusion
The $4.8 million grant awarded to Pensacola for the redesign of Cervantes Street marks a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible transportation network. By embracing the Complete Streets philosophy, Pensacola is not only improving mobility for its residents but also setting a precedent for other cities to follow. As the project moves forward, it promises to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and travel in this vibrant community.