FORT WORTH, TX The Texas Public Works Association (TPWA) has selected the East Rosedale Street Improvement Project as its 2016 Transportation Project of the Year ($5 to $25 million). The $17.5 million project was specifically initiated to improve traffic flow, increase traffic safety, encourage pedestrian activity, enhance the area's appearance with streetscaping and public art installations, and improve drainage. The project is considered to be the centerpiece of a broader public and private Southeast Fort Worth revitalization initiative dubbed The Rosedale Renaissance. It was substantially completed in September 2015 through a collaboration between the City of Fort Worth, Freese and Nichols, Texas Wesleyan University, Southeast Fort Worth, Inc., North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Fort Worth T, Tarrant County, local business leaders and neighborhood associations.

Two miles of roadway in southeast Fort Worth were affected by this project. It involved the development of two attractively landscaped roundabouts that eliminate the stop-and-go congestion caused by traffic signals at the intersections. One of the roundabouts will feature a public art installation that is currently being selected. The project also preserved and enhanced historical aspects of the neighborhood. Construction of a promenade in front of Texas Wesleyan University enhances the street's appearance, and 10-foot-wide brick sidewalks with pedestrian seat walls were installed without injuring or removing the neighborhood's 60-year-old oak trees.

The project is notable for receiving a high level of public participation that is unparalleled in Polytechnic Heights' recent history. More than 30 meetings were held in the neighborhood to obtain feedback from key groups, and a 26-member Advisory Committee representing local officials, property owners, churches, community associations and businesses was established to provide insight on the design.

The TPWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects.