“ Our goal was to make it as aesthetic as possible and also be as environmentally integrated with the area as we could ,” said Jeffrey Siewert , roadway leader at Ayres , who served as project manager . “ We initiated this at the beginning of our project , the signalized intersection at North Nebraska Avenue , wanting to make an impact right away .”
Within the first 300 feet , and continuing at each intersection until 14th Street , are “ bulb-outs ” that extend the sidewalk into the parking lane , reducing the lane width and shortening the crossing distance .
“ These bulb-outs are very safety-oriented ,” Siewert said . “ They push you out so the drivers can see you . You ’ re on a platform there waiting for safe crossing .”
Many of the bulb-outs also incorporate “ rapid rectangular flashing beacons ,” or RRFBs , which emit quick , bright LED flashes of light when a pedestrian pushes the button on the signal post . The flashing lights are designed to increase pedestrian visibility and alert drivers that someone is attempting to cross the street .
Although safety was at the top of the Complete Street project ’ s priority list , sustainability was a close second . The team ’ s strategic placement of 24 stormwater trees along each side of the alignment checked that box .
During a rain event , the aforementioned tree wells capture and filter the runoff from the road , irrigate the trees with the filtered water , and then recycle the water back into the curb and into the stormwater system .
“ The engineering was very strategic and challenging because the whole objective of this is to put a tree in the street and have it stay healthy and thrive ,” Siewert said , noting the team incorporated 24 of them – a mix of bald cypress and palm trees – on the project .
PROJECT FAST FACTS
Project limits : North Nebraska Avenue to North 14th Street , City of Tampa
Project length : 0.47 mile ( about 8½ blocks )
Facility type : Two-lane , undivided arterial street ; bi-directional travel
Average daily traffic volume : 10,210 vehicles
Posted speed : 30 mph
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