In the growing area of northwest Rochester, 18th Avenue NW provides a critical connection in the transportation network. 18th Avenue struggled to evolve from providing access to rural private properties to one that is urbanized, serving a larger role in carrying traffic and balancing land access and pedestrian/bicycle needs. Deteriorated pavement and intermittent pedestrian and bicycle facilities poorly served the needs of people living in and traveling through the area.

Bolton & Menk led the design and public engagement process to rehabilitate and reconstruct the 18th Avenue corridor. A vision was developed for multimodal transportation operations, safety, and integration. It includes turn lane and intersection improvements to address immediate safety issues, multi-use path and on-road bike facilities, and pedestrian crossings at key locations. Our approach to access management was essential in providing balance between mobility and access for all users.

The project established 48th Street as a primary intersection with a mini-roundabout providing balanced access for the neighborhoods and transit route. Partial access intersections were provided at 45th Street and 50th Street along with off-set pedestrian crossings to enhance neighborhood permeability and pedestrian safety. The corridor includes a two-lane divided urban section with a wide, landscaped median and boulevards, off-street multi-use trail, on-street bike lane, and rain gardens.