Commission backs flared barrier, curb-and-gutter look for Sample Road Bridge

Consultants returned to the commission Jan. 28 with revised design options for the Sample Road Bridge and commissioners voiced a clear preference for flared barrier walls with curb-and-gutter landscape elements and a raised sidewalk rather than tall DOT guardrails.

Jerry Piccolo, the consultant, said commissioners had previously objected to the appearance and maintenance of guardrails and presented a narrower approach that "gives you that narrowing, that traffic calming effect on your approaches, and it limits the idea of someone being able to pass" while meeting DOT clear-zone criteria. He emphasized that the design retains bridge width needed for phased construction but narrows approaches with curb-and-gutter and landscape islands to create a neighborhood feel.

Commissioners pressed on technical details, including shoulder width for phased construction, the roughly 62-foot transition length needed where a rigid barrier is used, property impacts of flared barriers, maintenance and irrigation needs for landscaped islands and whether design choices would affect grant eligibility. Staff and consultants responded that the designs can meet DOT criteria, that the bridge can be built to accommodate future bike lanes if desired, and that landscaping can be hardscape if the city prefers low maintenance. The commission directed staff to proceed with design work reflecting the flared-barrier/curb-and-gutter approach and to include options for aesthetic treatments and maintenance plans.