When the City of Prescott identified widespread accessibility deficiencies along key pedestrian routes, B&N was selected to evaluate and design ADA-compliant improvements along approximately 1.15 miles of Miller Valley Road and Grove Avenue, from Gurley Street to Whipple Street. The project is transforming an aging pedestrian corridor into a safer, more connected and accessible public space while preserving access to the surrounding community and businesses.
Corridor-Wide ADA Evaluation and Design
B&N is providing comprehensive ADA evaluation and design services to create a continuous, accessible pedestrian network that meets current accessibility standards and supports long-term mobility for all users. The project began with a detailed, corridor-wide assessment of existing conditions, evaluating every sidewalk panel, curb ramp, driveway crossing and side street connection on both sides of the roadway. This systematic inventory identified extensive accessibility deficiencies and established the foundation for targeted, corridor-wide improvements.
Rather than addressing isolated deficiencies, B&N developed a comprehensive design strategy that prioritizes continuous accessible routes, improves pedestrian comfort and creates consistent connections throughout the corridor.
Designing Within Tight Constraints
The project corridor presents a highly constrained urban environment with limited right-of-way, closely spaced commercial driveways, dense development and utilities and the need to maintain uninterrupted access to adjacent businesses throughout construction and in final conditions. B&N is developing context-sensitive, PROWAG-compliant solutions that balance accessibility requirements with corridor operations, property access and long-term maintainability.
Design elements include:
- Reconstruction of sidewalks, curb ramps, driveway crossings and side street interfaces
- Careful grading and transition design at steep side streets to achieve compliant cross slopes while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties
- Integration of accessibility improvements that preserve business access and reduce conflicts between pedestrian travel and vehicular operations
Integrated Drainage and Grading Solutions
Drainage and grading conditions add further complexity, with several adjacent properties located below roadway grade and two creek crossings requiring bridge modifications within the project limits. B&N is incorporating targeted drainage improvements that eliminate localized ponding, maintain positive flow paths and help keep pedestrian routes accessible during storm events. Accessibility, grading and drainage improvements are being designed as an integrated system, ensuring that pedestrian facilities perform effectively over the long term while avoiding conflicts between drainage infrastructure and accessible design.
Collaboration and Outcomes
The project is being delivered through ongoing collaboration with City staff, including regular coordination meetings, field reviews, public outreach and iterative design development. This collaborative approach allows design decisions to reflect community priorities, accommodate evolving project needs and produce practical, constructible solutions. By combining technical expertise in accessibility, drainage, and roadway design with a context-sensitive approach, B&N is delivering a continuous, ADA-compliant pedestrian network that improves safety, connectivity and mobility while respecting the operational realities of this important urban corridor.