Existing Conditions

Traffic congestion is a major challenge for the Medical Center Area. Concentrated populations of both employees and residents, create congestion throughout the day, with particular problems during morning and afternoon commutes. With key medical facilities relatively spread out along the main corridors, much of the traffic congestion is related to employees, patients, and visitors moving between facilities, and attempting to find available parking.

The lack of public open spaces is another challenge for residents, visitors, and employees of the area. Pedestrian safety is a key concern for the area. Although sidewalks exist throughout the majority of the area, they do not fully connect to neighborhoods, transit facilities or other key destinations. In addition not all sidewalks have a safe buffer from traffic, and where crosswalks exist, they often cross wide, high traffic intersections which are not always accessible or convenient for the mobility impaired.

The Medical Center has a dense population of employment and talent. Providing support to this area through alternative transportation options, building on existing partnerships, and providing informal recreational opportunities will continue to catalyze the “live, work, and play” vision and make the area even more attractive to hospitals, research institutions, visitors, and residents. With easy access to medical services, potential for additional connected green spaces, and easier pedestrian mobility, the area has the potential to become the healthy example of a well-functioning area that provides a nurturing environment for residents, employees, patients, and visitors.