South 3rd and South 4th Street Pavement Improvements

Located in Ames, IA

South 3rd and South 4th Street between Squaw Creek and South Duff Avenue was rehabilitated/reconstructed to improve the conditions of the pavement. The project included new bicycle facilities between South Grand Ave and South Duff Avenue.

A study of potential bicycle facilities ultimately led to a “Road Diet” for this section of the corridor to reduce the vehicular traffic lanes by one and add on street bike lanes. Pull outs for CyRide buses to interact with the bicycle lane will also be implemented in the corridor.

Road Diet — The acquisition of right-of-way proved especially difficult for the project budget and schedule due to the constrained nature of the existing corridor. Shive-Hattery completed a study of both the traffic and the appropriate bicycle facilities recommending a four-lane to three-lane conversion including a two-way left turn lane and on-street bike lanes.

Pavement Improvements — The existing pavement condition was evaluated and pavement cores taken in cooperation with City of Ames staff. Ultimately it was determined the worst sections of pavement, near Squaw Creek and near Hy-Vee, would be removed and replaced. The rest of the corridor would receive a two or four inch mill and overlay depending on the age and condition of the pavement. Additionally the corridor was walked with Ames staff and every manhole, intake, and water valve was opened or operated to determine if they warranted replacement.

Coordination — Coordination with several entities had to occur for the project to come to fruition. The City, Iowa DOT District 1 staff, Iowa DOT Facilities Staff, Ames Bicycle Coalition, utility companies, individual property owners, businesses, and the general public were coordinated with individual and open-house-style public meetings.