Roadworks are essential for maintaining the quality of existing roadways as well as 

for urban development projects to add lanes, walking paths, and much more. While the emphasis on roadworks most often tends to be on function rather than form, urban beautification is increasingly being seen as essential for quality of life.

Civil construction services such as these can be an excellent opportunity to landscape sections of the right-of-way to create more visually appealing road segments, and intersections, and to improve the quality of life for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Below are a few opportunities to consider when landscaping public roads and pathways:

01. Lush, Green Boulevards

Space permitting, urban development projects can put to great use the division between the outermost traffic lanes and walking paths with boulevards. This strip of land might measure half a metre or be even wider, so your choice of landscaping features can vary quite a bit depending on how much space there is to work with.

Bushes, flowers, or even trees can be put to great use. Depending on the type of roadway, i.e. arterial, local, motorway, etc., foliage can also be used as a physical deterrent to prevent pedestrians from dangerously trying to cross the road.

02. Roundabout Landscaping

Roundabouts are a perfect opportunity for landscaping and indeed many of Europe’s roundabouts are decorated with statues, fountains, ancient Roman ruins, and manicured flower beds, for example. As the focal point of a roundabout and as a space that is otherwise unused, the centre point of the roundabout is an artist’s blank canvas for beautiful urban spaces.

Consider that landscaped roundabout centres may require maintenance from municipal employees such as removing weeds and fertilising turf, for example. For a more maintenance-free alternative, you may wish to consider synthetic turf and fixed decorative elements that don’t require as much upkeep.

03. Leafy Trees Over Walking Paths

Following on our first point about boulevards, leafy trees overhanging both traffic lanes and walking paths can be an excellent way to provide essential shade and reprieve from the beating sun.

These types of boulevards were incredibly popular with Habsburg emperors in Europe and indeed much of France (think Champs-Élysées) and Madrid (along the Paseo del Prado) are superb examples of just how appealing boulevards with leafy trees can be.

Here in Australia, trees planted along public roadways help recreate the beauty of these old cities whilst giving us plenty of comfortable shade.

04. Artistically Inspired Works

Artists can be commissioned to create beautiful statues and urban artwork for larger landscaped spaces, especially at the centre of roundabouts but also wherever space permits. These sorts of features can add great appeal and become landmarks in cities and neighbourhoods, adding charm and beauty to offset the tarmac and paved areas all around.

05. Flower Beds and Urban Gardens

The installation of flower beds and even urban gardens can be quite appealing, particularly in residential neighbourhoods. Flower beds can be placed just about anywhere where space permits and add remarkable aesthetic appeal, particularly if using different coloured flowers to create beautiful patterns and effects.

Along footpaths and leading into public parks, or around car parks on public or private properties, flowerbeds create delineation and add a sense of order and natural beauty to spaces.

Melbourne Civil Works

For roadworks and streetscaping services and much more, contact Melbourne Civil Works.