Slowing down a corner of Central Ave in Downtown Albuquerque was the main goal of this project. The City asked for a creative solution for the intersection of 8th street and Central Avenue, which is the main western gateway into the downtown. The team proposed a single lane, one-way circular intersection or roundabout for this location. It is aimed at moving drivers slowly but efficiently through the crossing. This roundabout will be the first of its kind on a main arterial in the city. Various public meetings were held with property owners and others interested in maintaining the integrity and pedestrian walk-ability of the downtown. Sites Southwest LLC worked with the transportation engineers to provide a creative approach to the pedestrian corridors and vehicular view corridors. Sites Southwest did this by continuing the downtown themed walkways into the future sidewalks. A colorful and textural landscape plan was designed for the center of the roundabout, within the medians, along the bump out areas and in a newly created plaza area. Final construction documents including planting plans and irrigation plans were created for the project.
