Santa Clarita officials are touting an award for civic achievement for the Newhall Roundabout, which was named 2014 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association.

The Southern California chapter of the APWA is part of an international professional association of public works departments, which represents leaders throughout the United States and Canada.

“The roundabout has not only enhanced the aesthetics of Old Town Newhall, but has eased traffic flow and increase safety,” said Mayor Marsha McLean. “When we finished the project we knew the impact would be positive. However, being recognized by the AWPA with the Project of the Year award further demonstrates that this was a great project at the right time for our community.”

The Newhall Roundabout Project was completed in January 2014, and greatly enhanced the walkability of Old Town Newhall by providing a pedestrian-friendly link between Hart Park, the Old Town Newhall Library and the businesses on Main Street, according to a news release from city officials.

The project initially drew controversy for city officials, because residents were initially upset about the cost, and later, what would go in the center of the roundabout.

The roundabout was a $2.2 million project funded by the Federal Highway Administration, which provided a $702,000 project grant administered by Caltrans.

During the planning phases for the project, Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar said much of the initial opposition to the roundabout came from a lack of familiarity with roundabouts, and a city transportation expert reported stats that seemed to indicate as much.

National surveys generally indicate a 3-to-1 ratio of those who are against the idea of a roundabout before its inception, according to Santa Clarita traffic engineer Ian Pari, which turns to about 3-to-1 in favor of, once commuters regularly use it.

Santa Clarita officials asked the public for input on what to put in the center of the roundabout last year, with a stated budget of about $50,000.

The results of the polling were about 200 people chose the “do nothing” option, while 303 others chose between the live tree, a William S. Hart statue or a “water feature.”

The decided to choose a “minimal landscaping” option at the direction of City Council and City Manager Ken Striplin.

To learn more about the Newhall Roundabout project, please contact City Associate Engineer Balvinder Sandhu at (661) 255–4954. To learn more about the revitalization of Old Town Newhall or for more information about events and businesses in the area, visit OldTownNewhall.com.