HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 1/16/2024 - Memorandum From Anna Kelso, Cortney Geary, Aaron Iverson, And Caryn Champine Re: Canyon/Magnolia/Sherwood Asphalt Art Traffic Calming
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 13, 2023
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Nina Bodenhamer, Director City Give
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
From: Anna Kelso, Active Modes Specialist
Cortney Geary, Active Modes Manager
Aaron Iverson, FC Moves Senior Manager
Caryn Champine, Director, Planning, Development, and Transportation
Subject: Canyon/Magnolia/Sherwood Asphalt Art Traffic Calming
Purpose
The purpose of this memo is to respond to a City Council question about the decision to use asphalt art at
the intersection of Canyon Ave., W. Magnolia St., and S. Sherwood St. as a traffic calming measure
rather than a more traditional infrastructure project given the history of safety concerns at the intersection.
Bottom Line
A major capital project involving concrete work at the intersection of Canyon Ave., W. Magnolia St., and
S. Sherwood St. would be at least 40 times the cost of the upcoming asphalt art traffic calming project.
The asphalt art project is projected to cost $25K including all community outreach events. Completing a
similar geometric redesign with concrete could cost anywhere between $1M to $2.5M+. This intersection
is in the City’s high-risk floodway in which contributes significantly to the cost of work in the intersection
that would impact stormwater.
The asphalt art project will include curb extensions (bulb-outs) and potentially a traffic circle (mini-
roundabout) outlined by traffic paint and delineator posts. This is a low-cost, quick-build way to improve
the comfort and safety of this intersection and observe the effectiveness of a geometric redesign. The
project will provide vital information when considering a more permanent installation.
Background
The 2017 Downtown Plan presented concepts for potential corridor improvements along Canyon Ave.
One of the goals of the potential corridor improvements was to reimagine intersections with bulb-outs to
shorten pedestrian crossings and create colorful corner treatments and art locations. These potential
improvements have not been elevated to the level of a major capital project at the
Canyon/Magnolia/Sherwood intersection based on the needs and priorities across the City.
The 2022 Active Modes Plan recommended a geometric redesign of the Canyon/Magnolia/Sherwood
intersection as a high priority/readiness project. The City applied for and was awarded a Bloomberg
Asphalt Art Initiative grant, which offers a low-cost, quick-build way to implement this recommendation.
Description of Proposed Intervention
The proposed design intervention aims to improve comfort and safety for all road users by increasing
compliance with posted speed limits, reducing near misses, and increasing bike and pedestrian mode
share. Traffic paint and delineator posts will outline curb extensions, or bulb-outs, which reduce
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43C4903B-3D21-447B-9994-2E600417CB7B
pedestrian crossing distances, exposure to traffic, and turning speeds. The project will also explore the
potential for a traffic circle, or mini roundabout, which will help to reduce speeds. A traffic circle would
allow for the removal of stop signs and help reduce right-of-way confusion. These spaces, defined by
traffic paint and posts, offer a canvas for asphalt art. Serving as a gateway for traffic transitioning from
high-speed arterials to local streets, the asphalt art will offer visual cues alerting drivers to slow down. .
Asphalt art will be confined to the curb-extensions and potential traffic circle. Keeping asphalt art out of
the vehicular wheel path will exponentially improve the lifespan of the installation.
The project is also anticipated to enhance placemaking and community building. Consistent with
guidance from the Downtown Plan, the proposed installation crafts a gateway intersection that is a more
interesting visual and pedestrian link between the Lincoln Center and the historic core. Community
members will have the opportunity to inform the themes and design of the art and help paint the street.
They will see the impact of working together to reshape the built environment. This project contributes to
a diverse cross section of the City’s strategic outcomes, particularly Transportation & Mobility, Safe
Community, Neighborhood Livability & Social Health, and Culture & Recreation.
Preliminary Design Concept (subject to change)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 43C4903B-3D21-447B-9994-2E600417CB7B