IQC visited Altus back in August, and since then we have compiled a booklet of our proposed changes for the city. The main ideas are:
The most ambitious recommendation is for the intersection at Katy Drive and Navajoe Street. The improvements here involved many of the basic walkability safety features for all the roads we toured. The town should create 6 foot wide sidewalks around the entire area and turn the intersection at Katy Drive and Navajoe Street into a mini-roundabout. The existing intersection is about 48 feet across, which allows room for a mini-roundabout without having to pour new asphalt or alter the street beyond painting it. There is space for a 15 foot street around an 18 foot diameter center island. Curb extensions painted on the corners and crosswalks added on all sides improve crossing safety. All of these sidewalks should include street lighting and amenities such as benches and trash bins. Our plans to improve the railroad crossing involve many of the tactics to improve overall walkability safety. Currently the crossing has no sidewalks, no railroad crossing arm or signage, and the road is very curved with a high speed limit for the area.
The final recommendation will not improve safety, but it will add interest to the town and make it easier to navigate the major landmarks. There are lots of historic homes, the historic downtown district, the railroad depot, a recreational park at the Altus City Reservoir, a new splash pad, and of course "Missile" Park. Having signage at key locations to direct people towards these features of the town will make it easier for people to know about these places, and encourage them to walk there with the walking distance placed on the sign. Additionally, having plaques at each site will add an educational component to these historic places. Overall, I am excited to see what the city of Altus does regarding these suggested improvements. As always it was a great time working with the IQC team to help improve our Oklahoma communities.
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Amy HostetterCurrent student. Archives
January 2019
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