The existing trailhead configuration at Two Rivers Park Trail caused traffic conflicts between user groups. Pulaski County hired Crafton Tull to enhance safety for all users through a trailhead redesign, which features dedicated paths for bike and foot traffic, a traffic calming circle, and added parking.
For pedestrians, a new 8-foot concrete path connects the existing asphalt trail to a parking lot across Two Rivers Park Road. The new path is marked with a &ldquo;Pedestrian Only&rdquo; sign and passes through a plaza, which serves as a traffic calming circle and reduces on-path gathering.&nbsp;
For cyclists, a new 12-foot asphalt bikeway with dashed centerline striping curves away from the pedestrian area, allowing riders to continue on the trail without reducing speeds. The bikeway connects to the existing restroom facility and continues north to a renovated parking lot.
The improved trailhead serves as a gateway into Two Rivers Park and connects to the popular Arkansas River Trail. With plans for an inclusive playground, the trailhead will attract even more visitors in the years ahead. The safety improvements at Two Rivers Park Trail ensure a wide variety of users can safely access and enjoy one of Central Arkansas&rsquo; most cherished outdoor destinations.

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Two Rivers Park Trail Improvements.

Crafton Tull | Two Rivers Park Trail Improvements

[X] Two Rivers Park Trail Improvements

Education

Awards

P.E., CFM, LEED AP

Brad Peterson serves as Vice President of Infrastructure as well as office manager for the Crafton Tull Little Rock location. Shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Brad moved to Little Rock and joined Crafton Tull.
He has played the role of Project Manager in many award winning projects in Arkansas. Brad is a member of the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE), the National Society of Professional Engineers/Arkansas (NSPE). Brad is an active member of the Arkansas Floodplain Managers Association (AFMA), and the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE).&nbsp;
FUN FACT:
Brad grew up in Southwest Wisconsin, an area with rivers and woods, much like the Ozarks. He attended the University of Wisconsin Platteville where he studied Engineering.

Learn more about Brad Peterson and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Brad Peterson

Brad Peterson serves as Senior Vice President Civil - Infrastructure as well as office manager for the Crafton Tull Little Rock location. Shortly after graduating, Brad moved to Little Rock and joined Crafton Tull.
He has played the role of Project Manager in many award-winning projects in Arkansas. Brad is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Brad is an active member of the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association (AFMA) and serves as the Central Region Representative.

Pedestrian safety isn&rsquo;t just a buzz phrase, it&rsquo;s an essential part of any road design. Safely crossing a local street or roadway is one of the most important parts of a municipal project. Although traditional crosswalks serve their purpose, a raised crosswalk or speed table can be a great, aesthetically pleasing option to further ensure pedestrian safety.
Raised crosswalks are ramped crossings with a flat top, spanning the entire width of the roadway. What makes these pedestrian crossings unique is that they are the same height as the sidewalk, meaning that pedestrians can make a smooth transition from the sidewalk to crossing the roadway. Since vehicles encounter an incline as they approach the crosswalk, the pedestrian is more prominent in the driver&rsquo;s vision.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/raised_crosswalks/01-white-hall-high-school-raised.webp" alt="" width="1000" height="750" />
These crosswalks send a somewhat subtle message to both drivers and pedestrians that pedestrians have priority in this particular space. Using this design technique places a higher value on protecting pedestrian traffic. By design, these crosswalks serve as a traffic-calming measure and can decrease pedestrian crashes by as much as 45%. Some pedestrian crossings that utilize speed tables also include HAWK signals or Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) to ensure pedestrian safety if the foot traffic volume warrants hand-activated signalization.

<h2>Design considerations and cost</h2>
The primary design feature of a raised crosswalk is that it is flush with the sidewalk. This feature provides seamless access for wheelchair users as they can roll across at the same elevation rather than a vertical transition off the sidewalk at a curb ramp to enter a lower crosswalk in the roadway. This incline on the road aids in slowing vehicles as they approach the crossing.&nbsp;<a href="https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/intersections/minor-intersections/raised-intersections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bollards</a>&nbsp;can provide a barrier for pedestrians in the event a vehicle deviates from the roadway or approaches the incline too quickly.
As with any crosswalk, these must be ADA-compliant and include detectable warning surfaces for visually impaired users. Although highly visible lighting and paint is not required, this important addition can even further increase the visibility of the crosswalk. Engineers can evaluate the need for additional markings early in the design process and address each location accordingly.
In addition to pavement markings, raised crossings must include proper signage to alert vehicles and pedestrians to the crossing. Depending on the specific location, potential signage may include &ldquo;Speed Table Ahead&rdquo; in advance of the crossing and &ldquo;Speed Table,&rdquo; &ldquo;Raised Crosswalk,&rdquo; or pedestrian signs located at both ends of the crossing.
The prominent challenge for engineering a crosswalk of this nature is the potential for drainage issues. Without proper drainage design, water can pool around the crosswalk and defeat the purpose of pedestrian safety by creating a considerable hazard. Identifying these issues early in the process will allow civil engineers to address and mitigate any potential drainage problems.
There are several options for materials used to construct a raised crosswalk. These crosswalks can be built with asphalt, concrete or pavers. Of course, this decision is the primary determining factor of the cost of a raised crosswalk project. According to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pedbikesafe.org/pedsafe/countermeasures_detail.cfm?CM_NUM=7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PedSafe</a>, these crosswalks can cost between $7,000 and $30,880 depending on the material selected for construction as well as the drainage conditions of the area. On average, NACTO and FHWA pinpoint the average cost at around $8,000.
An investment in a raised crosswalk can make pedestrians feel safe and welcome. With this type of protection, pedestrians will be more likely to frequent businesses or establishments they may have stayed away from because of the need to cross vehicle traffic. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pedbikeinfo.org/cms/downloads/PedestrianLitReview_April2014.pdf#page=34&amp;zoom=100,69,350" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>&nbsp;of these crosswalks, researchers found in a single location the percentage of pedestrians who crossed the crosswalk increased from 11.5 percent to 38.3 percent.

<h2>Appropriate locations</h2>
As with any traffic-calming measure, cities should not use a raised crosswalk at busy, high-volume intersections. Instead, these crosswalks are primarily solutions for areas with constant vehicle traffic and a substantial amount of pedestrian traffic.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/docs/TechSheet_RaisedCW_508compliant.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;(FHWA) recommends these crosswalks for local two- or three-lane roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less and daily traffic numbers of no more than 9,000. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/intersections/minor-intersections/raised-intersections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Association of City Transportation Officials</a>&nbsp;(NACTO) notes that cities can use a raised crosswalk in an area where two one-way streets intersect because this configuration has two corners that do not allow vehicles to turn.
Crafton Tull has found an ideal location for a raised crosswalk is near a school parking lot. Crafton Tull designed a raised crosswalk at White Hall High School&rsquo;s south parking lot to slow the vehicular traffic entering and exiting the parking lot where a large number of pedestrians must cross the road. This location worked well for this design because of the need to create a cautionary area to alert vehicles of a high volume of pedestrians leaving the parking lot to enter the school.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/raised_crosswalks/02-white-hall-high-school-raised.webp" alt="Raised Crosswalk" width="1000" height="750" />
We used the same rationale with the raised crosswalk constructed along with the Main Street widening project to accommodate the new North Little Rock High School. In this instance, students must cross a moderately busy city street when approaching the high school from the parking lot. This crosswalk, which includes a variety of highly visible signals, helps to offer an important piece of protection for students crossing the street in the early morning and afternoon hours. Due to the amount of vehicular traffic in this area as well as potential drainage concerns associated with this crosswalk being located on a hill, the design is slightly different. In this instance, the sidewalk lowers pedestrians into the crosswalk rather than the crosswalk being entirely flush with the sidewalk.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/raised_crosswalks/03-raised-crosswalk-nlr.webp" alt="Bollards at Intersection" width="1000" height="750" />
<a href="http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/engineering/raised_pedestrian_crosswalks.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Safe Routes to School</a>&nbsp;notes that raised crosswalks are not appropriate on sharp curves or steep grades and might not be the best option for an intersection that is a part of a bus or emergency route. In residential areas, it is common to see this type of crosswalk utilized in the middle of a city block rather than an intersection.

<h2>Effectiveness</h2>
As expected, the most important consideration for utilizing a raised crosswalk is its effectiveness. The objective of these crosswalks is ultimately to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The statistics regarding pedestrian accidents are staggering. As noted above,&nbsp;<a href="https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/docs/TechSheet_RaisedCW_508compliant.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FHWA</a>&nbsp;statistics show that when placed at appropriate locations, these crosswalks can reduce pedestrian crashes by as much as 45%.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/raised_crosswalks/04-pinnacle-heights-uptown-aerial.webp" alt="High foot-traffic area" width="1000" height="621" />
Generally, these crosswalks can accomplish the mission of a decrease in vehicular speeds, which in turn, creates a safer environment for people crossing the street. Since the vehicle must climb a ramp before crossing the crosswalk, the likelihood of a slower speed is greater, especially when combined with crosswalk visibility enhancements.
<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/raised_crosswalks/05-pinnacle-heights-elevated-cros.webp" alt="Raised Crosswalk" width="1000" height="667" />
There are a variety of traffic-calming measures engineers should consider in areas with high levels of pedestrian traffic. The effectiveness of a raised crosswalk definitely earns this method a spot on the list of options.&nbsp;

Raised crosswalks send a subtle but effective message that pedestrians have priority in a particular space.

Brad's Work

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on 12th Street Community Jump Start Project.

Crafton Tull | 12th Street Community Jump Start Project

Learn about Crafton Tull's work on Port of Little Rock Infrastructure Improvements.

Crafton Tull | Port of Little Rock Infrastructure Improvements

PLA, ASLA

Learn more about Dave Roberts and his role and experience at Crafton Tull.

Crafton Tull | Dave Roberts

Dave is responsible for overseeing and contributing to site planning and urban design projects that include community redevelopment plans, corridor plans, campus master plans, parks &amp; recreation system plans, as well as bicycle &amp; pedestrian network plans. Dave often presents sessions at conferences in the Mid-South region on planning healthy communities, urban planning strategies, and the benefits of placemaking. His daily responsibilities also include administration of the marketing department and business development for the firm.

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential for financial return on investment. Investments in walkability, which measures an area&rsquo;s ease of connectivity via non-vehicular transportation, can include sidewalks, multi-use paths, streetscape enhancements, and traffic-calming measures. While these projects might be more often categorized as infrastructure, they do much more than provide a mode of transportation. They have the power to transform local economies.
Places where people feel safe and comfortable walking are places where businesses can thrive. Bustling downtown districts offer a variety of things to do - restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and breweries - all within walking distance of one another. Increased foot traffic creates higher property values in these areas and the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Over time, the tax value per acre in these dense, walkable areas will outpace areas that are more dependent on vehicular traffic. This has been confirmed in multiple studies by <a href="https://www.urbanthree.com/">Urban3</a>, a company specializing in revenue modeling and cost of service analysis for cities.
Not only do these compact, walkable places generate more tax revenue per acre, they require less extensive infrastructure networks compared to sprawling, car-dependent developments. For cities, this results in lower costs for road maintenance, utilities, and public services. It&rsquo;s a win-win.

<img src="https://api.www.craftontull.com/media/uploads/insights/walkable_downtowns/walk_audit.webp" alt="" width="1920" height="915" />
Any city, big or small, with goals to invest in walkability should consider these steps:
<ol>
<li>Conduct a Walk Audit: Begin by assessing the current state of pedestrian infrastructure. At Crafton Tull, I work with cities across the state hosting walk audits that bring together city and business leaders. We identify areas lacking sidewalks, dangerous intersections, and discuss best practice site planning methods. The walk audit and final report helps prioritize improvements and allocate resources effectively.I recently hosted a walk audit in Prairie Grove with Mayor David Faulk and 20 members of the community. Mayor Faulk believes the walk audit identified changes that could create a more prosperous downtown. &ldquo;The walk audit has been a great asset to us, and I would highly recommend this activity to all municipalities,&rdquo; the mayor said.</li>
<li>Engage the Community: Involve residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the planning process. Their input can help ensure that improvements meet local needs and build support for larger initiatives.</li>
<li>Develop a Pedestrian Master Plan: Create a comprehensive strategy that outlines short-term and long-term goals for improving walkability. This plan should integrate with existing transportation and land-use policies to ensure a cohesive approach. The planning team at Crafton Tull is well-versed in creating <a href="https://www.craftontull.com/expertise/industries/active-transportation">bicycle and pedestrian master plans</a> that prioritize investments and unite communities in a shared vision.</li>
<li>Implement Quick Wins: Start with low-cost, high-impact improvements such as repainting crosswalks, installing pedestrian signals, or creating pocket parks. These visible changes can build public support and demonstrate immediate benefits.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Establish an Overlay District: Update land-use regulations to encourage mixed-use development, higher densities in appropriate areas, and pedestrian-oriented design standards. Over time, this can help create the type of built environment that supports walkability.</li>
<li>Invest in Key Corridors: Identify main streets or commercial districts that could benefit from significant pedestrian improvements. Concentrate initial investments in these areas to create showcase projects that can catalyze further development.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;

While the initial costs of improving walkability can be substantial, the long-term economic benefits far outweigh the investment. Cities that prioritize walkable infrastructure often see returns in the form of increased tax revenues, reduced infrastructure maintenance costs, and a better sense of community character.
The benefits of walkability investments can compound over time. As initial improvements attract more pedestrians and businesses, they create a cycle of increased activity, further investment, and economic growth. This snowball effect can transform struggling urban areas into vibrant, prosperous districts that contribute significantly to the city's overall economic health. Connecting these walkable districts to the surrounding neighborhoods will increase visibility and activity for the businesses who will benefit from the foot traffic.
Investing in infrastructure that promotes walkability represents a strategic economic development opportunity for cities. As cities compete for talent, businesses, and investment, those that prioritize walkability will be well-positioned to thrive economically while offering a higher quality of life for their residents. The journey towards enhanced walkability may begin with small steps, but it leads to transformative economic outcomes that can reshape the urban landscape for generations to come.
&nbsp;

Related Projects

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential fo

Walkable Downtowns Drive Economic Development

Many cities prioritize improving walkability in downtowns and commercial areas, not just to enhance safety or to develop community character, but because there is real potential for financial return on investment.

PROJECTS

Two Rivers Park Trail Improvements