Project Information

The intersection of McConnell Dr. and Pine Knoll Dr. is a heavily trafficked intersection on Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff Mountain campus. It is one of the major entrances/exits to/from the campus, and currently has large volumes of vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic that must be safely and efficiently handled. The intersection currently has problems with vehicle congestion, which is exacerbated by the high volumes of pedestrian traffic. Based on these issues and a brief site investigation, it is proposed by the client that a roundabout be investigated as a potential solution to issues of this site.

Constraints

One of the main challenges for this project includes the proximity of the proposed site to Sinclair Wash. This cannot be encroached on and is a potential source of flooding. Any improvements must be configured to the available space and topography of the land. This includes navigating the slope south of the current intersection. Additionally, concerns of all stakeholders must be addressed, meaning congestion and safety of on-campus traffic must be ensured as well as congestion and safety immediately off-campus, namely at the adjacent I-17 freeway exit. Furthermore, the articulated busses frequently used by NAIPTA and routed directly through the intersection must be accommodated. Many of these challenges indicate the need to shift the intersection improvements south of the current intersection, which presents the challenge of re-aligning all approaches and assessing the grade of the south approach.