Neil-Kietzke Roundabout
Award-Winning Project
The intersection of Neil Road and Kietzke Lane is a popular and heavily traveled route for many residents. The previous traffic pattern at the intersection of Neil and Kietzke lacked the ability to accommodate traffic, especially during peak hours. The purpose of this project was to construct a roundabout at this intersection that would facilitate the flow of traffic, improve public safety, and provide an aesthetic solution. Due to the high traffic volume through this intersection, all four directions of traffic needed to be maintained while constructing a roundabout in this confined area.

CFA was the project team leader for the consultant design team, which included Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants and Black Eagle Consulting. This project required extensive coordination, review, and approval through the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Commission, and the City of Reno. Based upon results of a VISSIM (Virtual Simulation Model), the project required modifications to the existing signalization at the I-580 on- and off-ramps to ensure safe queuing movements for the large amount of traffic utilizing this intersection. Landscape for the project was designed as a setting for three deer sculptures from a local artist utilizing earth mounds to create continually changing perspectives as one travels around the traffic circle. Planting and the use of rock for the central island reflects native vegetation and conditions of the Great Basin. In addition, existing landscape on three corners was renovated to conform to the larger configuration of the street improvements.

Construction began in June of 2007. To ensure the project was completed as expeditiously as possible and to limit the impact in the driving public, especially during Hot August Nights, only 45 contract working days were allowed. The project was completed in early August and a grand opening ceremony was held on September 13, 2007. The budget for design, construction, and engineering during construction was $1.85 million. The Associated General Contractors selected this project as the recipient of the 2007 Pinnacle Award for projects under $5 million in the category of Excellence in Project Management. Additionally, the Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects selected this project for a 2009 Merit Award in the Streetscape category.

RTC Transit Centers
The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) provides mass transportation service in Washoe County, Nevada. The RTC operates the Citifare fixed route transit and Citilift paratransit systems. The RTC teamed up with a consulting team lead by Parsons Brinckerhoff Transportation Group. CFA’s role was to prepare the civil design for two new bus transit centers. The work consisted of engineering consulting services necessary to relocate and expand two fixed-route transit centers -- one in the City of Reno (4th Street Station) and the other in the City of Sparks (Centennial Plaza). The goal of these exciting projects includes designing a large, comfortable, and customer-friendly facility that meets the needs of the mobility impaired and entices new ridership.

• Centennial Plaza - Centennial Plaza represents a $15 million investment in downtown Sparks that includes a 12,000 square foot structure housing passenger services and transit operations. Located outside of the half circle brick building are 15 covered bus bays that will connect riders with Citifare buses. Design services provided by CFA included grading, drainage, utility relocations and services, street rehabilitation, topographic surveys, mapping, and construction staking. A grand opening ceremony was held on October 21, 2008.



• 4th Street Station - The new downtown Reno transit center relocates and expands the old transit facility to improve bus operation and to support and enhance the transit experience with retail opportunities for passengers and passersby. The transit center is an important part of downtown revitalization. Final design was completed in December 2008 and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 10, 2009. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 28, 2010. An exciting element of this project is that the site civil and building design will distinguish 4th Street Station as a LEED-certified building. The American Society of Civil Engineers selected this project as the recipient of the 2011 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Civil Engineering.

RTC Street Reconstruction – Nichols Boulevard
The Regional Transportation Commission and the City of Sparks approached CFA to design and manage the rehabilitation/reconstruction of Nichols Boulevard between Victorian Avenue and Howard Drive. The project is currently in the preliminary design phase and is expected to be under construction in the spring of 2012. Nichols Boulevard has been identified by the City of Sparks as the ideal connection corridor between public events areas located at the Sparks Marina and Victorian Avenue Plaza. The City of Sparks would like to enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit facilities along Nichols Boulevard to create a contiguous passageway from the Marina to Victorian Avenue. CFA, in conjunction with Fehr & Peer Transportation Consultants and Black Eagle Geotechnical Engineers, is in the process of preparing preliminary design concepts for multi-modal transportation improvements along this important access corridor. CFA and our team will provide surveying, transportation planning, soils engineering, materials testing, community outreach, preliminary & final civil design, bidding assistance, construction management, and inspection services for this highly anticipated public improvement project.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Lakeside Drive/Manzanita Lane
Lakeside Drive is a high traffic arterial roadway located in Reno, Nevada. CFA contracted with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) in January 2010 to provide surveying, civil design, utility research, construction management, and construction inspection services. CFA is teamed with Black Eagle Consulting to provide geotechnical investigation and materials testing. Reconstruction of Lakeside Drive and Manzanita Lane is a high profile project that will require a significant public outreach program to ensure success. The design is approved and involved an extensive coordination, review, and approval process with the RTC, City of Reno, NDOT, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, and NV Energy. This project was completed in October 2011 on time and under budget.

RTC Street Reconstruction – Ridgeview Drive
CFA contracted with the Regional Transportation Commission in the fall of 2009 to provide civil design services for Ridgeview Drive in southwest Reno. The project consisted of 50,000 square feet of asphalt roadway replacement and curb, gutter, associated sidewalk, pedestrian ramp, and driveway concrete replacement. CFA provided full design and construction management services including civil design, topographic surveying, construction inspection, and construction staking. The project was designed and constructed in 2010 on time and under budget.

RTC Street Reconstruction – York Way
CFA provided construction management services for the reconstruction of York Way in Sparks, Nevada. This project was a collaboration between the Regional Transportation Commission and the City of Sparks. CFA was the point of contact for the two public agencies, the contractor, and the design engineer. CFA provided construction management, construction inspection, and construction staking services for this $1.5 million roadway rehabilitation project. This project was completed in October 2010 on time and within budget.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Echo Avenue
CFA was the prime consultant to the Regional Transportation Commission for the reconstruction of approximately 4,000 linear feet of roadway on Echo Avenue between Mt. Bismark and Mt. Limbo Streets in Reno, Nevada. The design included an evaluation of the existing pavement and sub-grade conditions, an analysis of the existing drainage patterns, and design of pavement rehabilitation for a 20-year design life. CFA worked closely with the RTC, City of Reno, and the Washoe County School District to update roadway striping, pedestrian crosswalks, pedestrian ramps, and replace damaged sidewalk and driveway aprons along the entire length of the project. CFA was responsible for project design, utility coordination, public outreach, construction administration, construction surveying, and full-time construction inspection. Construction commenced in September 2009 and was completed on schedule in early December 2009.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Summit Ridge Drive and Sky Mountain Drive
This project included the reconstruction of approximately 6,000 linear feet of existing roadway improvements in northwest Reno. The scope of work included investigating the existing conditions of the asphalt; evaluating concrete curb and gutter deficiencies; identifying and evaluating utilities and surface drainage patterns; and preparing plan and profile sheets that identified areas of reconstruction, cross sections, striping and signage plans; and details and specification documents. Construction services included construction administration, inspection, construction surveying, materials testing, and record drawings. Construction was completed in November 2009.

RTC Street Reconstruction - East Lincoln Way
CFA was selected as the lead firm for the reconstruction of 1,100 linear feet of East Lincoln Way from Sparks Boulevard to Lillard Drive in Sparks, Nevada. This roadway provides access to the Wild Island Water Park, Coconut Bowl, and the industrial area in East Sparks. This project was on an accelerated schedule to complete the work prior to the summer opening of the water park for the Memorial Day weekend. Construction began on April 15, 2009 and was completed on May 12, 2009, one week ahead of the proposed construction schedule. Work included removal and replacement of curb and gutter, installation of new ADA pedestrian ramps, removal of the top five inches of existing asphalt, and construction of a new six-inch asphalt concrete surface, with associated striping and signage.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Franklin Way
CFA was responsible for the surveying and design for the reconstruction and widening of approximately 1,200 linear feet of roadway from Kleppe Lane to Greg Street in an industrial area of Sparks, Nevada. The existing roadway was constructed to only half width with curb and gutter on one side. CFA was successful in designing the widened roadway to accommodate several existing driveways and gated accesses to adjoining businesses while correcting deficient storm drainage conditions. CFA also coordinated with the City of Sparks to include a new traffic signal into the construction drawings. Construction was completed in summer of 2006.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Neil Road and Country Estates Circle
CFA was the prime consultant to the Regional Transportation Commission for this reconstruction of approximately 6,000 linear feet of roadway. The design included an evaluation of the existing pavement and sub-grade conditions, an analysis of the existing drainage patterns, and design of pavement rehabilitation for a 20-year design life. A City of Reno Special Assessment District was created to replace damaged sidewalk and driveway aprons along the project streets. CFA was responsible for all construction administration, surveying, and full-time inspection during construction. The project was completed in 2005.

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RTC Street Reconstruction - Greenbrae Drive
The Regional Transportation Commission identified Greenbrae Drive from Rock Boulevard to 4th Street as needing complete rehabilitation. CFA was the team leader for the consultant team. The project included approximately 3,900 linear feet of pavement rehabilitation and removal and replacement of existing curb, gutter, sidewalk, pedestrian ramps, and commercial driveways. CFA was responsible for topographic surveys, civil design, contractor bidding services, construction staking, construction management, and inspection services. Construction began in July 2003 and was completed in September 2003.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Howard Drive and East Prater Way
CFA was the lead consultant for the Regional Transportation Commission’s project to reconstruct Howard Drive and East Prater Way. This project consisted of the complete reconstruction of two roadways, Howard Drive from Lincoln Way to Prater Way and East Prater Way from Vista Boulevard eastward to the Sparks city limits. The total distance is approximately 4,000 linear feet for both roadways. CFA was responsible for all engineering design, surveying, and construction administration. Several areas with poor existing storm water drainage were identified, and the design included replacement of curb and gutter and driveway aprons to correct these deficiencies. Striping was also extensively redesigned to incorporate bicycle lanes and left turn pockets and to improve traffic flow. The project was completed in August 2002.

RTC Street Reconstruction - Pembroke Drive
CFA was the lead firm responsible for engineering design and construction administration. CFA prepared the engineering plans and solicitation documents and provided construction administration during construction for the retrofit and reconstruction of 2,600 linear feet of roadway for the Regional Transportation Commission. Plans were designed for the roadway that included removal of existing road materials and re-paving a wider roadway to include on-street parking. New curb, gutter, sidewalks, residential driveways, and utility realignments were also designed. Construction was completed in September 2000.

South Wedge Parkway Extension
CFA was the lead firm for this 2,500 linear foot extension of Wedge Parkway from the Mt. Rose Highway to Butch Cassidy Drive in the Southwest Truckee Meadows. The roadway provides access to several important public facilities - the University of Nevada Reno Redfield Campus, Galena High School, and St. Mary’s Galena Center. The project included new bike lanes, curb, gutter, and sidewalks. CFA completed the planning and civil design (including new sewer mainline and utilities) and provided easement acquisition, construction administration, surveying, and engineering during construction. The project was completed in November 2000.

ArrowCreek Parkway and Wedge Parkway
CFA was responsible for feasibility studies, civil engineering, mapping, construction staking, and administration services for construction of ArrowCreek Parkway from Zolezzi Lane to Thomas Creek Road. As the prime consultant, CFA was responsible for the planning and design of approximately 13,000 linear feet of ArrowCreek Parkway and 1,850 linear feet of Wedge Parkway. The planning and design process included right-of-way acquisition; informational neighborhood meetings; topographic mapping and boundary surveys; geotechnical, wetlands, and Phase 1 environmental investigations; alignment studies for an ultimate four-lane configuration; complex hydrology and hydraulics on two branches of Whites Creek; design of a large diameter, high pressure effluent transmission main; and vertical alignment and grading in steep terrain. Construction was completed in September 1999.

Leadership Parkway and Victory Lane
CFA was responsible for planning, contract documents, and bidding services for a 5,200 linear foot roadway extension of Keystone Avenue in Northwest Reno. Design for the roadway included sizing and coordinating utilities to serve the 105-acre Keystone Community Campus. The project required coordination and approvals through NDOT for the intersection with McCarran Boulevard and access to lands managed by the United State Forest Service and Washoe County. Construction of this $3.2 million roadway commenced in 2002 with the relocation of a 16-inch water transmission main for the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. During construction, CFA provided construction management services and surveying for the project owner, Keystone Community Corporation.

SW McCarran Boulevard Median and Soundwall Landscaping
CFA was a subconsultant to Mactec on this project for the Regional Transportation Commission. The project consisted of landscape design of 2,000 linear feet of median islands and 1,285 linear feet of street frontage located on a one-mile stretch of South McCarran Boulevard. Design coordination with the City of Reno Parks Department involved plant types, maintenance access, and construction details, which were consistent with other City of Reno installations. Minimal maintenance was a requirement of the landscape design because of high traffic volumes, which make it difficult to provide on-going, labor-intensive maintenance. Challenges for this project included the removal of extensive road base materials and replacement with planting soil in the median areas and low water pressure availability for the irrigation system. The project was completed in 2006.

Los Altos Parkway Landscaping
The center island of this large parkway in Sparks was converted from lawn to plantings for water savings and to eliminate irrigation overspray onto the adjacent roadway due to asphalt deterioration and winter icing. Since there was joint funding involved, the design was approved by both the homeowner’s association and the City of Sparks. An emphasis was placed on year-round color, large plant massing viewed from passing automobiles, berming, and ground cover textures. Some of the existing lawn and pine trees at the center of the 25-foot wide planters were retained. The irrigation system was completely renovated, using existing valve wire to the islands to eliminate street cuts. The project was completed in the summer of 2006.

Landscaping and Revegetation for Interstate 80
CFA was responsible for the preparation of landscape construction plans for approximately 12 acres in the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) right-of-way along I-80 between Sutro Street and Rock Boulevard and in the I-80 and US 395 interchange. Landscape architectural services included evaluation of existing landscape being removed during the installation of various roadway safety improvements designed by The Berger Group for NDOT. The new landscape was coordinated with new and re-configured lanes, ramps, and soundwalls. Landscape planting was selected in collaboration with NDOT maintenance personnel for durability in the habitat of the freeway right-of-way and ease of maintenance. Existing irrigation was evaluated for performance and deficiencies and corrected within the confines of NDOT’s standard road and bridge construction details. Services included coordination with NDOT standard specifications and preparation of specification special provisions and structure list. The project was completed in 2005.

Carson City I-580 Freeway Phase 2 Aesthetics Plan and Vision Document
CFA, in conjunction with the Louis Berger Group, prepared this document for the Nevada Department of Transportation in June of 2004. Objectives included beautifying highways, improving the state’s public image, making visitors feel welcome, and contributing in a positive manner to a transit-based economy. Existing conditions and viewsheds along the approved highway corridor were analyzed and mapped to identify opportunities and constraints. Areas were then broken into zones with similar physical and visual characteristics. The intent was to prioritize areas for various levels of landscape treatment. Gateways were identified that lead visitors into the community. Costs, alternatives, and priorities were itemized for future funding opportunities.

CFA worked with members of an NDOT technical advisory committee and a landscape design group made up of staff from NDOT and residents of the local community, including Carson City Parks and Recreation. Meetings were held over a one-year period with the result being a working document that moved the design process up to a 30% design level. Of the three alternatives studied, the design selected was with the duplication of Phase 1 aesthetic treatments which stressed native re-vegetation, trees, boulder fields, and slope contouring. The document produced moved the planning process to the 60% design level.

Summit Sierra Lifestyle Center Roundabout
The Summit Sierra Lifestyle Center is a 72-acre shopping center located at the northwest corner of Mt. Rose Highway and South Virginia Street. The project’s main access is off Mt. Rose Highway at Herz Boulevard. Approximately 200 feet north of this intersection, a two-lane roundabout was constructed to maintain traffic flows rather than installing a four-way stop situation. During peak traffic periods, the potential for traffic backing into the Mt. Rose intersection was a major factor in deciding for the installation of the roundabout. All major delivery trucks use this roundabout for ingress/egress to and from the center. The roundabout will also provide access to Phase 2 of the project, which includes an additional 20 acres of commercial development. CFA performed civil engineering, landscape architecture, surveying, and construction observation for this project, which opened in 2006.

Fernley Roundabout Landscape Master Plan
In 2009, CFA assisted the City of Fernley in applying for a grant for landscaping an existing roundabout at the intersection of Highway Alternate 50 and Highway Alternate 95. CFA prepared graphics, a project description, and cost estimates for the grant application.

The project improvements included the following design elements:

• Minimal grading was proposed around the un-irrigated, native plant groupings to funnel water from slopes into the planting beds. These areas include planting amendments such as polymers for slow water release.


• Several mulches were proposed for controlling wind and water erosion, invasive weeds, and as visual enhancements. A four-to eight-inch mulch depth at channel bottoms helps control water erosion and sediment transport through the existing storm drain system.


• Mulch selection was largely based on blending into the immediate natural surroundings and the distant mountains.


• Vehicle clear zones required by NDOT were maintained for the boulders.


• Decorative fencing was proposed to match the existing fencing at the center of the roundabout, which is geared toward a ranching theme. A series of fence posts suggests the remnants of a corral and offer a repetition of pattern across the landscape.

Grove Roadway
CFA designed a 2,000 linear foot roadway within the Sierra Star golf course development area in the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The roadway serves several townhome and single-family developments. The project includes a golf cart undercrossing as well as a bridge crossing over a jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. Drainageway. The project was completed in the summer of 2008.

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Berner Street Relocation
CFA designed the relocation of Berner Street in the East Village area in the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The 600 linear foot relocation was done to accommodate future development. Construction of the roadway was completed in the fall of 2006.

Meridian Boulevard Rehabilitation
CFA provided civil engineering and landscape architecture consulting services to the Town of Mammoth Lakes for the rehabilitation of approximately two miles of roadway through this resort community. Meridian Boulevard is an arterial street with an 80-foot right-of-way, four 12-foot travel lanes, and 8-foot shoulders. The town requested a complete redesign of Meridian Boulevard that resulted in a reduction of the existing pavement width and the incorporation of bike lanes, a rotary, bus stops, and pedestrian pathways with site furnishings and lighting.

In addition to the civil improvement plans, CFA provided a plan for landscaping and pedestrian amenities along the right-of-way. Selecting plant materials that are tolerant of snow loads and road maintenance will be crucial to the success of the project. The engineer's estimate for construction costs for this project was approximately $6,000,000 in 2004. Final design and construction is currently on hold.

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