Location
City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Solutions
Sectors
The College Community School District experienced routine traffic back-ups during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal times. A police officer assisted with daily traffic control. Both the school and city desired a long-term solution to improve intersection safety and function at the school’s south entrance off Kirkwood Boulevard.
Bolton & Menk designed a single-lane roundabout at this critical intersection to improve safety and traffic efficiency. The roundabout is ideal at a school entrance where signals aren’t needed most times throughout the day, but peak times require traffic control. The roundabout requires vehicles to slow down to enter the intersection, creating a safer environment for pedestrians.
The roundabout design not only improved the safety and efficiency of this intersection, but also included landscaping to announce and beautify the school’s main entry, rain gardens to treat stormwater runoff, and new energy efficient lighting. An arch culvert replaced the deteriorating box culvert which conveys Hoosier Creek below the south leg of the intersection. The arch culvert is more aesthetically appealing and efficiently conveys flood waters, so the new intersection will not be inundated by flooding.
Awards
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American Council of Engineering Companies of Iowa – 2019 Engineering Achievement Award in Transportation
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American Public Works Association – Iowa Chapter – 2018 Transportation Project of the Year
