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Colima, Mexico

Prioritizing the youngest pedestrians with a safer crossing

The Project

This asphalt art project transformed a key intersection in Colima where several schools converge. The wide traffic lanes were narrowed to expand pedestrian space, following requests from the school principal and a road safety survey indicating a need for intervention. Over the course of two weeks, children and adults painted the lanes and marked pedestrian crossings. Also, lane sizes were reduced, existing bike lanes were demarcated, and intersection corners were extended.  

Post-intervention surveys and observations reflected a noticeable reduction in driver speeds at the intersection of Pimentel Llerenas and Diaz Miron, as well as an increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians at the mid-block crosswalk.  The project also served as a bridge between generations, allowing stories, laughter and knowledge to be shared as residents painted the murals side by side. In the end, the project not only produced a work of art, but also a renewed sense of belonging and satisfaction within the community.

After the Installation

  • Average vehicular speed in the area decreased by 22% 
  • 95% of people felt safe at the crossing

This is a great project that parents, officials, and teachers are extremely satisfied with. This was a heavy traffic area where accidents happened constantly. Safety has improved with the installation. It also looks very nice and gives us a better sense of traffic flow. 

Silvia Marisol de la Rosa, Director, Murguía School

Use the slider to see the transformation

Asphalt Art Colima Before After Comparison
Asphalt Art Colima Before After Comparison
Before
After

Neighborhood

La Grita

Number of Interventions

1

Installation Date

October 2, 2024

Lead Partners

Colima Municipal Desarrollo Integral de la Familia

Arquiurbano

Lead Artists

Francisco Javier Montes Enciso

Isaac Alberto Misael Ramirez

Materials

VOLTON traffic paint

Bollards

Brushes

Rollers

Thinner

Square Meters of Artwork

435

Cost

Design: $1,132

Labor: $12,000

Materials: $7,144

In Kind: $620

Links

Instagram

Facebook

Website


For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.

Asphalt Art Guide