Abstract:
Most of the current roadway infrastructure in the U.S. is based on guidelines that emphasize vehicle mobility and safety and minimize short-term upfront costs, with less consideration given to social and environmental aspects. This paper identifies opportunities for the development of sustainable design guidelines for urban streets. By defining sustainability in a broader context a case will be made for enhancing the sustainability of urban streets. Relevant sustainable solutions and their application to urban streets will be described and visual examples of numerous options are provided. Guidelines for assessing sustainable urban street options will be discussed along with key challenges facing the widespread adoption of these principles. Considering and assessing sustainable options will enable urban streets to function in a manner that is more beneficial to people, communities, the economy and the environment.
