Challenge

The Broadway Improvement project in Tucson, AZ, extends from Camino Seco to Houghton Road and is part of the voter-approved Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan. The project will widen the roadway to a four-lane divided cross-section with multi-modal improvements, significant drainage crossings, and water harvesting and streetscape improvements on this two-mile segment of Broadway Boulevard. A customized HAWK crossing would need to be incorporated into the project to accommodate a future bike boulevard crossing the corridor. The budget for the improvements is very limited. The improvements need to connect to the previously constructed improvements at Camino Seco, Harrison Road, and Houghton Road intersections, and minimize impacts to surrounding properties.

Solution

Using performance-based design and AutoCAD Civil3D design modeling, Kittelson applied an innovative integrated design process in order to complete the preliminary and final design efficiently.
– Laser scanning was used for data collection to ensure that all existing infrastructure data were collected.
– The 3D model visually presented the impacts of the improvement in the design process, resulting in an optimized design that minimized impacts; the model was also used to identify and modify multiple utility impacts along the corridor.
– The integrated design approach enhanced collaboration between stakeholders and design team, allowing for custom solutions to the sidewalk, water harvesting, and drainage design solutions, as well as integration of new public art features along the corridor.