LEUCADIA — It's been years in the making, marked by construction delays and traffic headaches, but the vision for a safer, more walkable North Coast Highway 101 is finally a reality.
City officials officially opened the first major segment of the "Leucadia Streetscape" project today, unveiling the new protected "cycle track" and reconfigured parking plaza near the Leucadia Post Office. The design shifts cyclists away from moving traffic and behind a barrier of parked cars, a layout known as "parking-protected bike lanes."
Local cyclists praised the change, saying that riding through Leucadia used to feel like a gamble. Now, they can ride with their kids to get donuts without worrying about a car drifting into the bike lane.
The project also introduces "back-in angled parking," a concept that initially confused some drivers but has been praised by safety experts for improving visibility when exiting a space. City ambassadors have been on-site this week helping motorists adjust to the new pattern.
With 1,400 new trees planted and wider sidewalks installed, the project aims to revitalize the business district while preserving Leucadia's funky, eclectic charm.