East University Avenue Improvements
Des Moines, IA
In April 2022, a tragic incident occurred when an East High School student was struck and killed by a vehicle along the 1600 block of East University Avenue in Des Moines. In response, the City of Des Moines prioritized school zone safety and engaged McClure to design critical safety enhancements along the corridor on an expedited schedule, utilizing a combination of local and state funding.
McClure collaborated closely with City staff to assess safety needs, conducting a corridor walk-through to evaluate conditions and identify effective solutions. The project included the installation of High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals at East 14th Street and Garfield Avenue, as well as at East University Avenue and East 15th Street, along with modifications to the existing HAWK signal near East 17th Street. A pedestrian crossing with a raised median island was added near East 16th Street to improve pedestrian safety. School flasher assemblies with speed feedback signs and stop sign flasher assemblies were installed to enhance driver awareness. At the East University Avenue and East 14th Street intersection, dual left-turn lanes were added, and raised medians conflicting with the crosswalk were removed. East University Avenue was converted from a four-lane roadway to a three-lane configuration with a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) to improve traffic flow and safety. Sidewalks were realigned to increase pedestrian safety by providing greater separation from the roadway, and traffic signage was upgraded for improved visibility and compliance.In addition to these safety enhancements, McClure designed the mill and overlay of the entire corridor, incorporated fiber optic interconnects, and replaced or upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps to meet ADA compliance. Retaining walls were added to minimize impacts on adjacent properties, pavement markings were upgraded, and broken intakes and curbs were replaced. McClure also handled right-of-way planning and secured all necessary project permits. These comprehensive improvements significantly enhanced pedestrian safety, improved traffic operations, and created a safer school zone environment for the Des Moines community.
McClure collaborated closely with City staff to assess safety needs, conducting a corridor walk-through to evaluate conditions and identify effective solutions. The project included the installation of High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals at East 14th Street and Garfield Avenue, as well as at East University Avenue and East 15th Street, along with modifications to the existing HAWK signal near East 17th Street. A pedestrian crossing with a raised median island was added near East 16th Street to improve pedestrian safety. School flasher assemblies with speed feedback signs and stop sign flasher assemblies were installed to enhance driver awareness. At the East University Avenue and East 14th Street intersection, dual left-turn lanes were added, and raised medians conflicting with the crosswalk were removed. East University Avenue was converted from a four-lane roadway to a three-lane configuration with a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) to improve traffic flow and safety. Sidewalks were realigned to increase pedestrian safety by providing greater separation from the roadway, and traffic signage was upgraded for improved visibility and compliance.In addition to these safety enhancements, McClure designed the mill and overlay of the entire corridor, incorporated fiber optic interconnects, and replaced or upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps to meet ADA compliance. Retaining walls were added to minimize impacts on adjacent properties, pavement markings were upgraded, and broken intakes and curbs were replaced. McClure also handled right-of-way planning and secured all necessary project permits. These comprehensive improvements significantly enhanced pedestrian safety, improved traffic operations, and created a safer school zone environment for the Des Moines community.
Highlights
- New HAWK signals, upgraded existing crossings, and added a raised median island to improve pedestrian visibility and protection, ensuring safer crossings for students and pedestrians.
- East University Avenue was converted from a four-lane to a three-lane roadway with a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL), while key intersections were optimized to enhance traffic operations and reduce congestion.
- chool flasher assemblies with speed feedback signs and stop sign flasher assemblies were installed to increase driver awareness and compliance in high-risk areas, improving safety near East High School
- Sidewalks and curb ramps were replaced and upgraded to meet ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for all pedestrians and enhancing mobility throughout the corridor
- Design completed on a fast-track schedule, enabling the rapid implementation of critical safety improvements using a combination of local and state funding to address urgent pedestrian and traffic concerns.
Discipline
Transportation
Project Type
Municipal Reconstruction & Pavement Rehabilitation
Client
City of Des Moines, IA
