The Reimagine Russell Boulevard project team announced that it will present proposed streetscape design concepts for the boulevard during a virtual community workshop Oct. 6.

Hosted by UC Davis, the city of Davis and Yolo County, the workshop is a follow-up to the project’s virtual kickoff in April, when officials laid out their two-pronged mission:

• Plan extensive infrastructure improvements for multimodal transportation on the major east-west thoroughfare, which, on a typical weekday, carries some 8,000 bicyclists, 13,000 transit riders and 20,000 vehicles.
• Reimagine Russell as “a safe, beautiful and sustainable gateway to the city and university.”

The project takes in the part of Russell that borders the main campus on the north and extends west to County Road 98 and east to B Street (where Russell turns into Fifth Street) — three miles in total length — and also includes Howard Way, the campus’s main northern entry, a short stretch of road between Russell and the Memorial Union bus terminal.

Based on initial insights from the kickoff event, the design team has developed draft concepts that strive to improve operations and safety for all modes of travel along Russell, according to a news release from the city of Davis. The news release adds that the project team has worked to incorporate placemaking and green infrastructure elements all along the corridor.

The follow-up workshop will include a small group activity focused on gathering feedback on the proposed design concepts.

“As a primary east-west arterial in Davis, Russell Boulevard plays a crucial role in our community’s multimodal transportation network,” said Brian Abbanat, senior transportation planner for the city of Davis. “Ultimately, this plan will reimagine and reinvent the public spaces within the corridor so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy Russell Boulevard for years to come.”