The reconstruction of Columbus Circle has improved the flow of vehicular traffic and the safety of pedestrian movement throughout the neighborhood. New pedestrian access provides safe passage to the island, with the historic Columbus monument at its center, concentric rings buffering the traffic, and a series of fountains, paving, benches, and lights. On the outer perimeter, a ring of raised stone cobbles cleverly holds street lighting, signals, signage, etc., keeping the inner pedestrian area uncluttered. Particularly difficult was relocating 12 and 20 inch water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, steam mains, and electric and telephone facilities, all while working above the IRT and IND subway tunnels and a myriad of utilities snaking above or around them.
Maintenance and protection of traffic and construction staging plans for the street, utility, plaza and landscape amenities were extremely important, and were designed to minimize traffic diversions that would have affected local communities.