A Look Ahead
ROUNDABOUT TO TRANSFORM DANGEROUS INTERSECTION INTO DOWNTOWN GATEWAY
Doyle Carlton Drive is an important link to the rapidly growing Arts and Riverwalk districts in downtown Tampa , Florida . The existing intersection with Laurel Street is an “ auto-centric ” urban intersection , outdated and failing to meet the context of this growing part of the City . The four-way stop is often ignored , resulting in an extremely dangerous intersection for drivers , bicyclists , and pedestrians .
BEFORE
A 2016 feasibility study evaluated several options , and ultimately a roundabout was deemed the preferred improvement , serving as an iconic gateway into downtown Tampa after crossing the Hillsborough River from the west . Public art and greenspace will further calm traffic while providing a safe , functional intersection with an aesthetic sense of place .
The Arts district – home to a variety of museums and performing arts venues – attracts all demographics from the greater Tampa Bay area . The Riverwalk is a popular , heavily used route for locals and visitors alike , linking many bars , restaurants , and parks throughout the corridor while providing accessibility to the rapidly expanding Tampa Heights neighborhood .
This project will reconstruct the four-way stop into a singlelane roundabout intersection . Improvements will include wider sidewalks , buffered bike lanes over the Laurel Street bridge , and shorter pedestrian crosswalks . When complete , vehicle , cyclist , and pedestrian conflicts will be minimized , providing a safer multi-modal intersection in line with the City ’ s Vision Zero initiative while increasing the roadway ’ s level of service .
SITE AFTER RENDERING
As a primary partner to consultant ADEAS-Q , Ayres is providing roadway , drainage , and lighting analysis and plans ; utilities design and coordination ; landscape architecture ; and survey . Construction is planned for 2024 .
CRAFTING A CREATIVE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
When the City of Evans , Colorado , launched an update to its Community Master Plan , Ayres was selected to bring a level of creativity to the effort in the face of challenges posed in 2020 . The plan integrates a robust economic resiliency chapter with a housing study , recreation , utilities , and other critical elements .
Before establishing required policy sections , and in an effort to demystify the planning process for residents , our team launched an engagement plan that sought to understand the community vision and values in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic . This plan included an engagement kit that was
38 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .