TUCSON ADAPTIVE STREETS: DESIGNING FOR MOBILITY, WATER, AND COMMUNITY
Table of Contents
1 10 24 38
Introduction Prototypes Prototype Testing Prototypes Assembled
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Team
COURTNEY CROSSON DESIGN STUDIO PROFESSOR
ILIANA AGUILAR PROTOTYPES ASSEMBLED TEAM
AARON BERINGSON INTRODUCTION TEAM
BRYANNA CHAVEZ PROTOTYPES ASSEMBLED TEAM
GARRETT DUNN PROTOTYPES TEAM
NATHAN DYSKO INTRODUCTIONS TEAM
FINDLEY FITZPATRICK PROTOTYPES ASSEMBLED TEAM
MARY HENDERSON PROTOTYPES TEAM
EUGENE LEE INTRODUCTIONS TEAM
HANNAH MCCORMICK PROTOTYPES TESTED TEAM
NERA MINTON PROTOTYPES TESTED TEAM
BRADLEY PINSKI PROTOTYPES TEAM
ESTANISLAO SOTO PROTOTYPES TEAM
CYNTHIA YEPIZ PROTOTYPES TESTED TEAM
PALO VERDE CAMINO MIRAMONTE BICYCLE BOULEVARD The Palo Verde - Camino Miramonte path is a proposed bike boulevard that bisects the pre-existing bike loop around Tucson. The University of Arizona, under Professor Courtney Crosson, is working with the Tucson Department of Transportation and Pima Country Flood Control to envision a design strategy along the boulevard that helps to mitigate flood concerns and helps establish a “complete streets� culture that encourages the use of bikes and pedestrian use along its entire length. Split into groups, the students broke the boulevard into 6 unique sites that were developed over the course of an entire academic semester. Each site worked with TDOT and Pima County Flood Control as well as the local neighborhood associations to develop a boulevard that met these goals and helped to establish a sense of place for the neighborhoods that use them.
1 RILL ITO
2 3 4
RIV ER
1 FORT LOWELL SWAN
ALVERNON WAY
COUNTRYCLUB
CAMPBELL
2
GRANT
A NT SA Z RIVER CRU
SPEEDWAY
4 BROADWAY
5
22ND SWAN
KINO
6
ALVERNON WAY
REID PARK
COUNTRY CLUB
Overall Map of Tucson
3
04
INTRODUCTION
Goals
OPPORTUNITY 1: STORMWATER UTILIZATION
∙ Increased use of medians and chicanes will help capture water with Tucson’s inverted streets
∙ Creating more areas of permeable surfaces will help limit water pooling on site
OPPORTUNITY 2: SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
∙Focusing on “Complete Streets” will help encourage bicyclists and pedestrians to the path
∙ Limiting car speed with medians and chicanes will help make bicyclists feel more safe
OPPORTUNITY 3: HONORING PLACE
∙Creating spaces that help identify the place will help unite neighborhoods, and encourage residents to keep area clean
1
2 3 4
06
INTRODUCTION
FLOODING
CH R I S T M
R I L LITO RIV
AS W AS H
ER
1
UPPER RILLITO RIVER
WILSON AVENUE WASH
ALVERNON WASH
CHRISTMAS WASH
2
3
4 HIG
H SCHOOL WASH
ARROY O CH
ICO WA SH
5
C ITA
TI
ON
WA SH
ARROYO CHICO-SANTA CRUZ RIVER
RA I
LR OA D
W AS H
6
AVIATION WASH TRIBUTARY
TUCSON DIVERSION CHANNEL
JULIAN WASH
Flood Concerns Along the Palo Verde Camino Miramonte proposed bicycle boulevard are many areas of major flood concern. Over the course of this project, each group identified the areas of high flooding, and using design focused on Green Storm-water Infrastructure, looked at how the boulevard could help mitigate the flooding concerns along the road, and for the surrounding neighbors. Strategies such as increasing the square footage of permeable surfaces, by adding basins and chicanes, and traffic circles were commonly used.
RIVER
Site 2
Site 1
2 3 4
CRISTAMAS WASH
CHRISTMAS WASH
RILLIT O
CHRISTMAS WASH
1
Site 3
CITATION WASH
SH WA AS TM RIS CH
ARROYO CHICO WASH
AVIATION WASH TRIBUTARY
Site 4
Site 5
Site 6
08
INTRODUCTION
COMPLETE STREETS WHAT IS A COMPLETE STREET? “An approach to transportation planning and design that guides the development of a safe, connected, and equitable transportation network for everyone – regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they get around” - Tucson Depepartment of Transportation
ECONOMIC VITALITY
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSIVITY
SAFETY
Complete Streets help spur economic development by supporting business and job creation and by promoting resiliency in the workforce through access to multiple mobility options
Complete Streets elements are implemented equitably and inclusively throughout the city
Complete Streets provide a safe travel experience to all and designing Complete Streets is a safety strategy to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities
Language taken from TDOT - Graphic inspired by https://medium.com/@bhamcitycouncil/
1
2 3 4
ACCESSIBILITY
ENVIRONMENT
LAND USE
Complete Streets serve people of all ages and abilities
Complete Streets preserve and protect Tucson’s environment and increase health by providing opportunities for active transportation (walking, biking, etc.) reducing vehicle miles traveled, and decreasing pollution caused by motor vehicles
Complete Streets incorporate context sensitive, flexible design approaches and consider the surrounding community’s current and expected land use and transportation needs in an interconnected manner
/birmingham-city-council-passes-complete-streets-ordinance-e1699f743163
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CHAPTER 2 PROTOTYPES
KIT OF PARTS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE - BASINS
A Basin - General
Section of Basin
Why use it? › › ›
Reduce Flooding Improve stormwater quality Reduces demand for potable water
Co-Benefits › › ›
Improve ground cover Provide shade canopy Improve wildlife habitat
Considerations + Maintenance › › › ›
Cleaned after major rain events Checked for damages or obstructions to inlets Avoid areas with poor drainage conditions, such as bedrock Basins may serve as water destinations for water catchment and GI practices, like rain gardens
Possible Application - Property Run-off Mitigation
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE - BASINS
A Roadside Basin
Section of Basin Witch Curb Cut
Why use it? › › ›
Reduce road flooding Improve stormwater quality Increase vegetation and reduce demand for potable water
Co-Benefits? › › ›
Provides shade canopy for pedestrians and cyclists Reduce heat islands Improve wildlife habitat
Considerations + Maintenance › › › ›
Cleaned after major rain events Checked for damages or obstructions to inlets Avoid areas with poor drainage conditions, such as bedrock Basins may serve as water destinations for water catchment structures
Possible Application - Water Catchment from Pavement
12
KIT OF PARTS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE - BASINS
S
A Traffic Circle Basin
Center Water Collection
Why use it? › › ›
Traffic calming Reduce flooding Decrease the demand for potable water at vegetation intersection
Co-Benefits › › ›
Reduce vehicle speeds Pedestrian safety Serve as way-finding markers
Considerations + Maintenance › › › › ›
Cleaned after major rain events Inlets and outlets should resist incursions from bikes and cars Low planting required conditions, such as bedrock Vehicle reflectors/vertical reflectors required
Possible Application - Traffic Circle at Intersection
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE - BASINS
A Basin - Bump-Out (Neck-down)
Inlets and Outlets
Why use it? › › ›
Reduce Flooding on roadway Slow down vehicular traffic Protect bicycle lane
Co-Benefits? › ›
Improve accessibility and pedestrian safety Provide shade canopy
Considerations + Maintenance › › › ›
Cleaned after major rain events Checked for damages or obstructions to inlets Avoid areas with poor drainage conditions, such as bedrock Must use vertical reflectors to maintain vehicle visibility
Possible Application - Bump-Outs at Intersection
14
KIT OF PARTS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE - BASINS
A Basin - Median
Section of Inverted Crown with Basin
Why use it? › ›
Reduce flooding in roadway Utilize runoff from inverted road conditions
Co-Benefits › › ›
Narrows road conditions for slower speeds Improve aesthetic of roadway Mitigates heat islands
Outlet
Considerations + Maintenance › › › › ›
Cleaned after major rain events Checked for damages or obstructions to inlets Avoid areas with poor drainage conditions, such as bedrock Must use vertical reflectors to maintain vehicle visibility Inlets and outlets should resist incursion from vehicles and cyclists
Inlet
Possible Application - Center Median
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
VEGETATION
A Mesquite
B Palo Verde
C Desert Ash
A Red Yucca
B Cape Aloe
C Agave
A Saguaro
B Prickly Pear
C Barrel Cactus
16
KIT OF PARTS
SIGNAGE
A Directional Sign Will vary based on neighborhood, assists in way-finding
B Location Sign Keeps cyclists informed on their location relative to the bike boulevard
C Neighborhood Sign Will vary in design based on neighborhood values and landmarks
Possible Application: Connection Refuge Note: Way-finding signs should be visible from both bike path and sidewalk.
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
CURB CUT CONDITIONS
A Covered Curb Cut Method for resisting incursion from vehicles and cyclists
B 45 Degree Curb Cut Roadside cut to help avoid debris build up
C Bump out or Corner Basin Curb Cut
Possible Application: Center Road Median + Basin Note: Curb cuts should always take into consideration traffic speeds and flood volume.
18
KIT OF PARTS
SHADE + REFUGE
A Bike Rest Stop
B Pedestrian Bridge
C Shading Structure
Shade Structure
Possible Connection: Bus Stop
Note: This configuration incorporates multiple ideas of shade, water harvesting, and refuge.
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
MATERIALITY
A Steel
B Permeable Concrete
C Permeable Paving
PermeableConcrete Concrete Steel Steel
Permeable Paving
Bicycle Rest Area
Note: This configuration may also harvest rainwater through a shade structure to help provide vegetation.
20
KIT OF PARTS
SEATING
A Single Bench
B Table Seating
Possible Application: Social Space
C Moveable Seating
Note: Seating could be placed at nodes or important areas of green infrastructure to create a sense of place
1
KIT OF PARTS
2 3 4
PATH LIGHTING
A Traffic HAWK
B Street Lamp
C Light Bollard
Possible Application: Bike Path Way-finding Note: Lighting should at all times abide by Tucson Dark Sky Ordinance where applicable.
22
CHAPTER 3 PROTOTYPES TESTED
SITE 01
SURVEY 2
1
RIVERBED
MISSION
BIKE LANES
3
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
PEDESTRIAN
To measure the current usage and problems exisiting on the site and to develop an understanding of what design elements will best serve the community.
STRATEGY Gather opinions of members and stakeholders of the community through targeted survey questions.
1
2 3 4
Use of Nearby Parks
40%
I visit the park
40%
Don’t use the park
60%
20%
60% “Need to add cross walks at bike route crossings”
20%
Transportation Methods of Kleindale
Business Use of Palo Verde Blvd (select all that apply)
Driving only
Street Parking
Driving and Cycling
Driving
80%
Loading/Offloading “Feel there is no room for it. We have dump trucks and trailers that need to go down the road.”
20%
60%
20%
Desire for Vegetation Yes, More greenery Indifferent Other
OUTCOMES
1. 2. 3.
Implemented a multi-modal bridge to connect residents across the wash Provided shade cover to increase comfortability of new bridge Connect new Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard to existing bicycle loop
26
SITE 02
SURVEY
1
TRAFIC CIRCLE BASIN
2
ROADWAY
BIKE
3
BASIN
MISSION Gain perspective of how individuals gauge the built environment in and around their neighborhoods through bringing awareness to their daily routines and habits.
STRATEGY Prompt the members to think and assess how they utilize the public space through survey questions.
1
2 3 4
Reasons for Not Biking “Would like to see small desert shrubs in this area”
speed of cars
volume of cars
“Prefer to see local cacti incorporated in this area”
no dedicated bike lane
commute distance
Preference on Green Infrastructure
Chicane
25% 75%
Median
Frequency of Riding a Bicycle 25% 25%
Monthly 25%
Weekly Less than Four Days/wk
25%
Less than Monthly
OUTCOMES
1.
Implemented traffic calming measures, such as traffic circles
2.
Implemented a non-motorized path for bicycle safety
3.
Implemented green infrastructure to reduce flooding
28
SITE 03
SURVEY
1
2 3
CUBESMART
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
MISSION Gain perspective as to what makes Tusconian cyclist and pedestrians feel safest in their public spaces.
STRATEGY Gather thoughts, opinions and feelings on social spaces and potential design solutions through targeted survey questions.
4
Usage of Site
1
2 3 4
Cycle 50%
“I think shade trees are important”
Yes 50%
No
35%
Walk
“I think I’d be more likely to bike even north of Grant if this part of the route were nicer”
Yes No
“Right now I tend to walk that route more than bike it, but if it felt safer for biking I would probably use that mode of transportation more”
65%
“Any shade is welcome (trees along the route)”
“I’ve only walked this route (variations) when I’ve had bicycle flats. Those times seating was most important. The flats have always been at night. If they’d been on a summer day, shade would have been a priority”
Design Elements for Community Options shade structure: 45% water fountain: 23%
option 1
mural: 18% seating: 16% bicycle rack: 8% picnic table: 6% dog waste: 8%
shade structure: 20% seating 20% water fountain: 13% tire pump: 8% mural: 6% bicycle rack: 6% dog waste: 4
option 2
OUTCOMES 1.
Implemented shade structure for protection from sun
2.
Implemented table and seating
3.
Implemented trees for evaporative transpiration
4.
Utilized signs to create a sense of place
30
SITE 04
SOCIAL MEDIA
1
4
2 3 10’ ROADWAY
BIKE PATH
BASIN
PEDESTRIAN PATH
MISSION Facilitate a public forum for neighbors to voice their opinions about their public social spaces.
STRATEGY Utilize a Facebook group to post weekly prompts for neighbors of El Encanto and Miramonte to engage in a comfortable and fun setting.
BASIN
1 “Neighbors need to make a commitment to harvest/retain a significant portion of rainwater onsite”
“Make “ a portion of the existing pavement designated for non-motorized use”
“Streets should be residential and pedestrian n friendly” “Provide adequate paved area for bikes and walkers”
Vehicular Speed Count
speed limit 25
361 Cars | 16 February 2020 26 24 22 20 18 16 14
Student Lead Facebook Group
s
42% Speeding s between 16:00 -18:00 s
OUTCOMES
s
23% Speeding between 06:00-08:00 s s
non-motorized path 1. Implemented for cyclist right of way for basins 2. Utilized to capture residential runoff
12 10 8 6
# of cars
2 3 4
stabilized walking 3. Integrated path
4 2 0
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 mph
custom seating to 4. Designed cultivate a sense of place
32
SITE 05
SURVEY
1 ROADWAY
BASIN
2 MULTI-MODAL PATH
3 BASIN
MISSION Engage and learn from the public to best understand how our design will be most beneficial for the community it serves.
STRATEGY Target community Facebook groups to distribute tailored surveys to gather input from all community partners.
1
40%
USAGE OF COMMUNITY GARDEN Yes
“I think the park would benefit from an open market.”
No
60%
SCALE OF FLOODING 30% 70%
2 3 4
“If there was a market implemented, I would like to see local produce sold there.”
70%
NEED FOR SHADE
Scale 0
Yes
Scale 5
No 30%
OUTCOMES “I think the park would benefit from an open market”
“I think this area would benefit from Mesquites or Palo Verdes. Something to provide more shading. “
green infrastructure 1. Incorporated to provide shade through vegetation
2. Designed safer paths for
pedestrians and bicyclists
3. Incorporated a right of way basin to mitigate the pooling of water
34
SITE 06
SOCIAL MEDIA
2
1
RAIN GARDEN
BIKE PATH
3
GATHERING SPACE
MISSION To partner with the community to visualize their social spaces in a collaborative settings
STRATEGY Through FotoR, community members will have a chance to input their vision of a social space through selecting potential design elements and visualize how they might curate space
1
2 3 4
COLLAGE ACTIVITY “Add gathering spaces for the community and the bicyclist to rest” “Add passive rain collection along the path” “Slow down traffic”
“Add seating all along the path with shade”
OUTCOMES 1. Implemented green infrastructure to provide shaded space
2. Created a welcoming space for “Direct biker’s attention to see what the community has to offer”
bikers and community
3. Cultivated a sense of place through implementing the community’s visions
36
CHAPTER 4 PROTOTYPES ASSEMBLED
SITE 01
Kleindale Road RIVER
FORT LOWELL
1
Coordination with business parking
2
Reduce flooding using green infrastructure
3
Reduce car speed to increase safety
GE N
GOALS
A ER
ASIN B L
1 2 4 5 6
1
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS 1
General Basin
2
Barrel Cactus
3
Red Yucca
4
Desert Ash
5
Cape Aloe
6
Prickly Pear
7
Single Bench
1 2 3 4
GE N
GE N
IN BAS L A ER
IN BAS L A ER
1 3 4 5 6 7
40
SITE 02
Palo Verde
FORT LOWELL
GRANT
1
ME DI
GOALS
N A
SIN BA
Collect storm water along tributary roads
2
Prioritize safety of cyclists
3
Reduce car speed on Palo Verde
1 3 4 5 6
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS
2
1
Median Basin
2
Roadside Basin
3
Red Yucca
4
Desert Ash
5
Cape Aloe
6
Agave
7
Saguaro
8
Bike rest stop
9
45 Degree Curb Cut
5 6 7 8
N A
SIN BA
ME DI
RO A
D
D SI
1
ASIN B E
1 5 6 9
42
SITE 03
Palo Verde
GRANT
SPEEDWAY
1
Create a sense of place within the neighborhood
2
Prioritize safety of cyclists and pedestrians
3
Reduce flooding using green infrastructure
can you put a biker here pls
GOALS
ME DI
N A
SIN BA
1 6 7
1
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS
2
1
Median Basin
2
Roadside Basin
3
Desert Ash
4
Cape Aloe
5
Agave
6
Saguaro
7
45 Degree Curb Cut
8
Single Bench
9
Light Bollard
3 4 7 9 10
RO A
RO AD
D SI
ASIN B E
D
D SI
ASIN B E
2 3 4 5 6 8
7
10 Permeable Concrete
44
SITE 04
Camino Miramonte
SPEEDWAY
GOALS
1
RO A
BROADWAY
D
IN BAS E D SI
Reduce storm water runoff 2
2
Create a sense of place within the neighborhood
3
Increase transportation safety
4 10 12
RO A
D
IN BAS E D SI
1
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS
2
1
General Basin
2
Roadside Basin
3
Red Yucca
4
Desert Ash
5
Mesquite
6
Cape Aloe
7
Saguaro
8
Single Bench
9
Table Seating
3 5 8 10
GE NE
12
RA
N ASI B L
10 45 Degree Curb Cut 1 6
11 Directional Sign
7 9 11 12
12 Permeable Concrete
46
SITE 05
Reid Park BROADWAY
22ND STREET
1
Provide more opportunities for users to engage with the site
2
Prioritize safety of pedestrians and cyclists
3
Preserve the rich history of the community
4
Reduce heat island effect
N A
ME DI
GOALS
SIN BA
1 2 3 4 5
1
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS
ME DI
N A
SIN BA
1
Median Basin
2
Desert Ash
3
Agave
4
Saguaro
5
Prickly Pear
6
Shading Structure
1 2 3 4 5
ME DI
N A
SIN BA
1 2 6
48
SITE 06
Aviation Road
22ND STREET
GE NE
AVIATION
RA
N ASI B L
GOALS
1
Connect the neighborhood to the rest of the city
2
Reduce flooding by using green infrastructure
3
Reduce car speeds on Palo Verde
1 4 6 7 8 10
9
GE NE
RA
N ASI B L
1
2 3 4
KIT OF PARTS
1
1
General Basin
2
Roadside Basin
3
Barrel Cactus
4
Red Yucca
5
Desert Ash
6
Cape Aloe
7
Agave
8
Single Bench
9
Shade Structure
4 5 6
RO A
11
D
D SI
7
ASIN B E
2 3
10 Directional signage
5 6 7 11
11 Permeable Concrete
50