Murphy – The Murphy Town Council approved an expansive bicycle and pedestrian traffic plan that can be used as a tool for securing future projects from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The 130-page “Murphy in Motion” plan was compiled following a series of public meetings held by Murphy Main Street and McAdams Co., a planning, design and engineering firm. The seven priority projects, ranked in order of priority, are:
1. Business 19 sidewalk. “This project will fill critical gaps in the pedestrian network by providing sidewalks in a key commercial area that includes schools, hotels, apartments, and local businesses. Business 19 serves both visitors and residents, and new sidewalks will offer safer, more convenient access to these destinations without needing a car. The cost estimate reflects sidewalk installation on both sides of the corridor, focusing on the most critical gaps.”
2. Valley River Avenue bike lanes and sidewalk. “This project improves walking and biking connections to key destinations by adding sidewalks on both sides of Valley River Avenue and introducing bike lanes from Connahetta Street to Hickory Street. These improvements will provide better access to Murphy Elementary School, Murphy River Walk, the post office, and nearby neighborhoods.
“The project also includes crossing improvements to enhance pedestrian safety. While the proposed cross-section reflects the ideal long-term facility, short-term or lower-cost options should consider shared lane markings (sharrows), as depicted in the rendering.”
3. Hiwassee Street multi-use side path. “This project creates a much-needed connection between downtown Murphy and the commercial area along U.S. 19/74/129 by developing a 10-foot-wide multi-use sidepath. By repurposing one travel lane, the sidepath can comfortably accommodate people walking, biking, using strollers or relying on mobility devices – making it easier and safer to reach key destinations without a car.
“Given that there is only one travel lane entering and leaving this area of Hiwassee Street, no traffic impacts are anticipated. The second (outside) northbound lane could be converted to parallel parking.”
4. Wells Connector Road sidewalk. “Though short in length, this project provides a critical connection between a big-box retail area, a smaller commercial district, and nearby neighborhoods. A sidewalk is proposed along the south side of Wells Connector Road, requiring a retaining wall with railing. Accessible pedestrian crossing improvements are also needed at U.S. 19/74/129.”
5. Hilton/Hardin/Thomas streets sidewalks. “This project adds sidewalks to improve access to Murphy Elementary and nearby commercial and residential areas within the Hilton Street, Thomas Street, and Hardin Street area – including the Cherokee County services buildings and the River Walk. Shared lane markings (sharrows) are also recommended to increase driver awareness of people biking in the area.”
6. Tennessee Street connections. “This project connects downtown Murphy to neighborhoods and businesses north of the Valley River. The long-term vision for Tennessee Street includes either a sidepath or bike lanes with sidewalks, but widening the bridge may not be feasible.
“A more practical near-term option is to convert the adjacent rail bridge into a shared use path, with new sidewalks to the Payne Street boat ramp and Texana Road. Sharrows are recommended south of Depot Street to improve bicycle visibility in the downtown core.”
7. Texana Road sidewalk. “This project provides a sidewalk connection from the Texana community to the downtown commercial area along Tennessee Street, improving access for people without vehicles or who choose to walk. It links residential neighborhoods, community destinations, and local businesses, and addresses a clear need – this corridor sees regular foot traffic despite lacking dedicated pedestrian space, and is known for cut-through traffic and speeding vehicles that create unsafe conditions.
“Due to the narrow roadway and steep terrain, construction would likely require a retaining wall adjacent to the sidewalk. Additional constraints include potential utility relocations, limited right-of-way with homes and driveways located close to the road, and the high cost of construction driven by both topography and corridor complexity.”
Murphy in Motion is a program looking at what the community has now and suggesting ways to make it safer, more walkable, and easier to bike around by improving connections.
The project started in 2024 and has been gathering public opinion along with way, including the March 4 community input event. A final plan will next be developed this year.
Results from the studies will guide town leaders in setting priorities, seeking grants and deciding how
best to use local taxpayer dollars.
During public meetings, projects included a Valley River Greenway and a pedestrian bridge over the Valley River and a Murphy-to-Andrews Rail Trail.
Few votes were given to such proposals as sidewalks on Andrews Road, Hiwassee Street and several other streets around town, with a sidewalk on Texana Road drawing the most interest.
A Hiwassee River Greenway drew 12 votes. Sidewalks on Tennessee Street and Hilton/Hardin/ Thomas Street each drew the fewest votes, at 2.
Attendees could also write their thoughts on sticky notes.
“More bike parking,” said one. “Better pedestrian crosswalk visibility,” said another. “Need paved multi-use path for all physical abilities,” said another. “Safer walkability for those who can’t drive,” said another.
Walking trails were a common theme.
“Understanding the value of a trail from Murphy to Andrews,” according to a note. “The businesses that would grow and the people that would travel to visit. People come here for the beauty. Let’s give the people what they want.”
According to Murphy in Motion literature, improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure benefits safety by giving pedestrians and bicyclists protected space, health by improving outdoor activities, community by connecting neighborhoods, and recreation.
Funding for the program comes from the Town of Murphy, private sources and the N.C. Department of Transportation.