Facing an increasing need for intersection improvements to address the evolving traffic and transit patterns of the area, the City of Suffolk engaged Clark Nexsen’s Transportation – Roads team to develop a systematic new approach. The College Drive Roundabout is a dual lane roundabout located in the northern section of Suffolk at the intersections of College Drive, Harbour View Boulevard, and Armstead Avenue, and exists as a centralized point of traffic for surrounding residents as well as truck drivers from the Tidewater Community College truck driving school and adjacent industrial and commercial facilities.
The city recognized an urgency for improvements at this location to correct the irregular alignment of the intersection streets as well as the existing stop-controlled functionality that had become operationally insufficient due to recent commercial and residential developments in the area.
Careful design consideration was required to both facilitate large truck movements through the roundabout and to include accommodations for a possible expansion to a third lane.
Anticipating a future traffic generation from several large undeveloped commercial properties adjacent to the intersection, this innovative roundabout system was developed, equipped with unique signage to direct drivers, pedestrian facilities for safety, and a low maintenance stormwater approach.
It was important for this design to meet the new run-off reduction stormwater criteria while keeping right of way impacts to a minimum. Through the construction of detention swales on the north and south sides of Armistead Avenue, these stormwater requirements were met. This approach allowed for swales to be installed largely in existing right of way with little impact on current utilities, providing an easily maintained option. Additionally, this project required careful coordination with franchise utility companies to ensure that overhead and underground facilities were relocated or incorporated in the design prior to construction. To address possible conflicts and provide for the extension of a previously planned water line routed through the site, the team also worked closely with public utilities.
Through a continuing annual service contract, Clark Nexsen provided assistance during all phases of this project, including the coordination of acquisition plat preparation, bid review and recommendation, and construction phase services.
Awards
APWA Mid-Atlantic Transportation Project of the Year under $5 Million, 2019
