The design for a roundabout at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Coal Creek Drive in Superior that is expected to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety is almost completed, with construction for the roundabout expected to start in July.

Last year, the city identified the Rock Creek Parkway improvement project, from Indiana Street to 88th Street, as a potential effort to be funded under the town’s new sales and use tax increase. In November 2024, Superior voters approved a sales and use tax increase from 8.645% to 8.96%, expected to generate an additional $1.6 million annually.

Earlier this year, the town awarded the design work improvement project to Kimley-Horn and Associates, with the town’s Public Works and Utilities Director Brannon Richards saying the design phase is almost complete — with the town expecting to put bids for construction up in late May or early June. The Superior Town Council did not vote on the project during its Tuesday evening meeting and only heard an update on the project.

In March, the Town Council approved a plan to design a one-lane roundabout at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Coal Creek Drive. Richards said the goal with a roundabout is to force cars to slow down and ensure the driver has a good sightline of oncoming traffic. He said a one-lane roundabout will help achieve those goals.

Councilmember Jason Serbu said he likes the design of the roundabout, as it would push drivers to slow down. The roundabout design also shortens the distance pedestrians need to cross the road and would put cyclists in their own lane on the outer portion of the roundabout. As a cyclist, Councilmember Neal Shah said the roundabout is safer for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.

Richards said members of the public expressed concerns about ensuring traffic can still flow smoothly and quickly in cases of emergencies and evacuation.

The roundabout features a two-inch curb that drivers could go over, when directed by police.

“It is uncomfortable to hit a two-inch bump, especially at 25 mph, but if we have an emergency it is designed to allow two-way traffic through it,” Richards said.

Once the project is completed, Rock Creek Parkway from Honey Creek Lane to McCaslin Boulevard will be resurfaced. According to a previous Superior Town Council meeting, Rock Creek Parkway was rated as one of the worst roads in town.

The project is expected to increase the lifespan of the road.

According to town materials, the engineer estimate for construction cost is $2.6 million, lower than the previously reported $2.85-2.95 million.

Richards added that engineer estimates can often be off, so he expects the cost estimate from the construction company will be higher.