Challenge
The City of Claremont sought to transform Towne Avenue, one of its most heavily used north–south corridors and one of only two roads providing access to the 210 Freeway. The City wanted to implement a “complete streets” design that would better serve pedestrians and bicyclists, while maintaining drivability for motorists. However, the effort was complicated by Claremont’s limited as-built information for the corridor. The aging infrastructure required careful consideration, and the City’s goal of balancing multimodal demands meant the design needed to integrate safety, mobility, and sustainability features without compromising functionality.
Solution
The City selected HR Green to lead the design and development of the Towne Avenue Street improvements. The team began with comprehensive field reconnaissance, topographic surveys, and review of available city and county data to build accurate base plans. HR Green also coordinated with utility companies, managing notices and responses in line with city procedures to mitigate potential conflicts during construction.
To achieve Claremont’s vision, HR Green developed a phased design plan with opportunities for city review and feedback at multiple stages. Key improvements included:
- Traffic Signal Enhancements: Upgraded signal lights, protected permissive left-turn movements, Intelligent Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS), and new video detection.
- Safety and Mobility Upgrades: Raised center medians, bulb-outs, and Class IV protected bike lanes separated by landscaped medians. Bike boxes at intersections improved cyclist visibility, while green-painted lanes highlighted areas with higher collision risks.
- Complete Streets Features: Sidewalk and driveway replacements, ADA-compliant ramps, landscaping and hardscape upgrades, and entry monuments to define the corridor.
- Sustainability Components: Incorporation of “green street” features such as Modular Wetland devices and infiltration trenches to improve stormwater quality and resiliency.
- Roadway Rehabilitation: Cold mill and overlay pavement rehabilitation, striping, and targeted repairs for cost efficiency.
Throughout design, HR Green facilitated workshops with City staff and commissions, allowing refinement of concepts and alignment with community goals. The team also prepared final plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction bid documents consistent with Greenbook and Caltrans standards.
Benefit
The Towne Avenue improvements delivered a safer, more attractive, and future-ready corridor for Claremont. Overall, the project supports Claremont’s identity as a community with tree-lined streets and historic character, while modernizing Towne Avenue to handle growing demands.
