2023 Freetown DAT Report - Flipbook - Page 21
Freetown DAT
A long parcel across the short Will Street extension
on the same side of the highway is an ideal site for a
layby transit interchange that could serve buses of all
public and private types, with a covered shelter and
walkway connecting to the cable car midstation. Ample
length allows for many bus bays or curbside stops, and
a combination of the existing Will Street intersection
and a new westerly break in the highway’s median
can accommodate buses coming and returning from
either direction. The interchange could be a significant
intercept point for transit services from further
neighborhoods, giving riders a swift last-mile connection
into downtown and other points without buses having
to drive the remaining congested and delayed distance
themselves. Done smartly, Hillside Bypass Road
becomes a significant transit corridor, especially given
its connections to large parts of westerly and southerly
Freetown.
To effectively support this new purpose, the station area
environment must become more focused on pedestrian
safety, not only to ensure good connections between
the layby transit interchange and the station (as well as
an existing bus stop to the east) but to support walk-up
demand from up and down hill. A pedestrian signal is
the best option, but high-visibility markings, signs and
down-lighting are strongly advised.
With significant interchange and walk-up demand, onand near-site commerce becomes viable, and Freetown
might consider other civic functions to compliment
the investment, particularly given the large amount of
travelers using this key regional transit interchange point
with excellent downtown access.
The Hillside Bypass station is on the steep and heavily-populated hill below Fourah Bay College, bisected by one road, the bypass highway.
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