Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System

 

Case Study No. 81

Camelback Pedestrian Underpass

Phoenix, Arizona

Prepared by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and updated in 2012 by Kerry Wilcoxon, P.E., PTOE, City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department.

The underpass stretches under a six-lane road. Image Source: Mike Cynecki, Former Interim Deputy Street Transportation Director for the Phoenix Street Transportation Department.

Problem

A busy six-lane street between a park and a commercial district in East Phoenix was the site of three pedestrian deaths. It was clear that the environment needed to provide a safer way for pedestrians to cross the street.

Background

As far back as 1990, the idea to improve the pedestrian environment in East Village Core was proposed in the city plan. After design assistance was awarded to further research the proposal, the Camelback East Primary Core Pedestrian Corridor Study was completed in 1998. The study recommended a pedestrian overpass.

Two separate Public Open House meetings were held, along with consultation with technical and citizen advisory groups. It was determined that an underpass, compared to a foot bridge, would be the most user-friendly and safe alternative. It would also provide an unobstructed scenic view of the mountains for motorists.

Solution

The Phoenix Department of Street Transportation began design and construction of a pedestrian underpass in 2006 to enhance the area's access on foot. Not only did the underpass provide safe passage for pedestrians, it also incorporated decorative pavement, landscaping, rubberized asphalt integrated into the pavement to minimize noise and vibration, and ventilation to ensure proper air circulation. Improvements at the surrounding intersections included enlarged pedestrian and bike refuge areas, new area directional ramps at corners, canopy shade structures, wayfinding markers at intersections, pedestrian countdown indicators on traffic signals, increased crossing time, and planted buffers.

Safety was addressed in several ways. The underpass featured security lighting, a skylight and a wide, unobstructed environment to provide an atmosphere for personal security. Other ideas discussed included security cameras and patrols by security personnel from nearby properties, or merchandise carts to provide a constant people presence. In addition, wrought iron fencing was installed in the median to the west of the underpass to discourage crossings at locations other than the adjacent signals or the underpass.

The underpass also incorporates art to improve the pedestrian environment. Image Source: Mike Cynecki, Former Interim Deputy Street Transportation Director for the Phoenix Street Transportation Department.

Public input was an important component of this project. Four public meetings provided an opportunity for citizens to discuss proposed plans for the pedestrian underpass with the project team. In addition, the City and consultant team worked closely with a citizen advisory committee that was formed specifically for the project. The advisory committee was composed of representatives from key stakeholder groups within the project area, including adjacent businesses, business associations, citizen associations, city council, and more.

One challenge encountered during the process was resistance to the project from large adjacent land owners who felt that the additional pedestrian connection would allow their neighbor's business to "steal" foot traffic or parking revenue. Sadly, during the review process, a tragedy occurred when a 13-year-old girl was struck and killed while crossing the street at night 300 ft from the nearest traffic signal. This tragedy, in addition to two other pedestrian deaths in the decade prior to building the bridge, produced enough media coverage and community support to overcome property owners' opposition.

Funding was provided through the Arizona Highway User Revenue, Federal Street Transportation Aid, Water Civic Improvement Corporation Funds and Transit Funds. Funding was approved by the City Council to not exceed $6 million. Total costs were estimated at $6,005,500 with $1,650,000 in Federal aid for construction.

Results

The underpass was completed in May 2007. Since its opening, the underpass has provided a safe and efficient link between two major commercial destinations and has been well-received by pedestrians. Between 2007-2011, no pedestrian collisions, injuries, or fatalities were reported at this site.

The project has won a number of awards, including:

Contact

Thomas L. Godbee, P.E.
City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department
Phone: (602) 262-7436
Email: tom.godbee@phoenix.gov