The intersection of 4th Ave and 9th St is a detriment to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The element of pedestrian and biker accidents and fatalities that occur in this intersection indicates that the major bodies of traffic should be separated. Ideally, the size and amount of vehicular traffic would have to be altered in order to create a safer method of transport for all traffic including pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. My design addresses the high risks of this intersection by reducing the lanes designated to vehicular traffic and creating a wider area for pedestrian and bike traffic.
The design depicts a space extension for bicycle traffic and a newly developed path which will provide bicyclists with peace of mind and free them from the threats of heavy vehicular traffic. This newly expanded bike and pedestrian path will provide pedestrians with a new level of movement and safety.
Heavily influenced and inspired by the European concept of the “Rambla,” the design separates pedestrian movement and bicycle traffic. Within the design, both pedestrians and bicyclists are given their own path down the center of 4th Ave (made possible by the reduction of car lanes) thereby extending their lanes of movement and activity within the cross itself.
This newly developed “Rambla,” so to speak, gives pedestrians not only the privilege of being protected from vehicular traffic-related accidents, it gives them a space that can be transformed into an active and social center. The street will then become a meeting place, allowing the people to meet their fellow neighbors and citizens in a new context. The area dips down some what, with ADA acceptable ramped areas within the dipped area. This area is the main meeting area and contains rudimentary elements that deter noise and carbon exhaust pollutants.
The space is given many vegetative elements to help deter carbon exhaust, liquid pollution, and run-off from down pours. The use of shrubbery and trees helps decrease the amount of noise coming into the new pedestrian area from road traffic and other possible sound sources. Coniferous trees are implemented for their ability to retain water better than deciduous trees. “If several overlapping canopies and a thick letter layer are applied, there may have to be one inch of rain fall before water will reach the soil and ground” [pg. 412 “Green Streets” Metro Portland].
The final element to control runoff pollution is the use of infiltration trenches. “Infiltration trenches are simple trenches back-filled with coarse aggregate layered with filter fabric. They perform the function of “ubiquitous infiltration” by collecting runoff and slowing discharge rate. This helps insure that only treated storm water is infiltrated into the groundwater system.” [pg.423 “green streets” Metro Portland]
Overall, the design seeks to promote safety by providing a more efficient use of space while creating an atmosphere that is environmentally friendly and socially conducive to the neighborhood. It supplies the area with an abundance of green area and potentially a new way to delve into design for American streets and roads.