Client Name
City of Fort Dodge
Client Type
Location
Fort Dodge
Project Type
Services Provided
Project Manager
Cross-Town Connector Upgrades Street Network
Artist’s Rendering of the S. 6th St. Gateway.
The Snyder & Associates team performed a traffic study and provided streetscape design services for the City of Fort Dodge which investigated the creation of a continuous corridor that connects the west side of town with the east side, allowing the downtown business district to better serve the entire community. Numerous alternative routes were developed, and different intersection treatments were evaluated as part of this traffic analysis. In the end, our team advocated for the creation of the Cross-Town Connector along 1st Avenue South which included the construction of two roundabout intersections and the removal of 13 traffic signals. During the upgrade process, the overhead utility infrastructure was buried along the corridor to improve the aesthetic appeal and provide better pedestrian accommodation within the narrow rights-of-way. This corridor transformation greatly improved the operations of the local street network.
Roundabouts Provide Ideal Environment for Gateway Features
Along with the roadway improvements, our team also coordinated the addition of gateway features at both roundabout locations to further enhance the corridor’s aesthetic character. At the 1st Avenue South and South 6th Street roundabout, our team developed plans for installing metal banners affixed to tall poles. These decorative metal banners were chosen for their attractiveness and durability. The banners can also be easily changed for seasonal displays or special promotions.
The metal banners on full display at the 1st Avenue South and South 6th Street roundabout location.
Further east along the corridor at 1st Avenue South and South 12th Street, a 32-foot-tall clock tower was positioned in the center of the roundabout. Our team created plans for this impressive structure and used 3D modeling software to review several different design options for the client. To achieve maximum exposure to the clock’s four faces, our designers also used the software to position the clock tower for the best and most effective vantage point for drivers and pedestrians.
At both roundabout locations, low brick pedestals help create a visual tie between the historical brick structures downtown and the more modern banners and clock tower. They also help provide a backdrop for accent plantings and lighting features. Site-specific plant material and complete irrigation systems were also included to reduce maintenance requirements.
City leaders wanted to install gateway markers at the entry points to the downtown region for many years. Considering their popularity with residents, more features are planned at other locations as streetscape improvements continue.
