Abstract:
The functional design objectives and requirements for major suburban arterial street projects have dramatically expanded for the 21st Century. Major suburban streets should address more than just capacity and safety for motor vehicles. Most suburban areas are highly congested, lack alternatives for developing new highway corridors, and are struggling to improve livability for urban dwellers. Therefore, 21st Century functional designs for major suburban streets should consider accommodations for auto traffic, freight movement, transit mobility, bicycles, and pedestrians while enhancing livability. Arterial reconstruction projects are also viewed as an opportunity to drive economic redevelopment and improvement in communities. Urban design amenities, landscaping, street trees and public art are now part of the comprehensive design. Pedestrian comfort and safety are important and pedestrian crossings are vital considerations. The challenge now is how to consider these competing needs while addressing traditional highway geometric design guidelines. Many of the design features now being considered for inclusion in suburban street projects may conflict with traditional design guidance. Eight controversial design features are addressed in light of the context need, traditional design guidance, and design analysis considerations. The eight design features are: Street Trees and Other Vertical Obstructions; U-turn Accommodations; Transit Lane In-Lane Stops; Pedestrian Refuges in Medians; Signalized Pedestrian Crossings; On-Street Parking; Smaller Radii Intersection Corners; and Reduced Lane Widths. This paper shows how context sensitive design considerations can be applied to accommodate emerging functional objectives while addressing context needs, design guidance, analyses and documentation.
