css classes 19 22 - developing compatible supportive design 120309
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
1
Classes 19-22
Using CSS to Develop Compatible Supportive
Designs
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Excellent transportation design• Satisfies stakeholder purpose, needs, and
vision– Established early– Refined as process advances
• Safe for users and community• Harmonious with community• Supports other community objectives• Preserves environmental values and resources
Goal: Excellence
2
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process• Determine context
– Existing conditions• Physical
– Roadway, transitway, pathway– Roadside, streetside, wayside– Adjacent development
» Context zones » Land use site design» External factors
• Activity– Transportation facility– Roadside, streetside, wayside– Adjacent land, buildings
Process (Review)
3
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process (cont.)• Determine context (cont.)
– Environment (relevant)• Physical• Social
– Planed changes– External factors
Process (Review)
4
CS3 – context sensitive sustainable solutions (Oregon DOT version)
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process (cont.)• Identify issues, opportunities, constraints,
threats, strengths, weaknesses– Issues – concerns, problems, questions,
uncertainties– Opportunities – what could occur (physical,
operational, policy, transportation, development, economic, etc.)
– Constraints – limitations on opportunities– Threats – negative factors or prospects– Strengths – positive attributes on which to build– Weaknesses – shortcomings to strengthen
Process (Review)
5
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process (cont.)• Identfy goals, objectives, core values
– Desired outcomes• Goals (general statements)
– Mobility and access– Economic development– Land development– Activity– Other
• Objectives– More detailed statements
Process (Review)
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– Core values• Aesthetics• Safety• Character • Etc.
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process (cont.)• Select criteria for evaluation, prioritization
– Base on• Objectives• Issues• Opportunities • Concerns• Environmental impacts
Process (Review)
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• Mobility• Socio-econimic• Environmental• Cost-
effectiveness• Other
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Project development process (cont.)
• Vision
– Outcome from goals
• Functional
• Appearance
• Resulting conditions
Process (Review)
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
9
Develop alternatives
• Range
• Design criteria
• Approach
• Flexibility
• Components
Conventional
CSS
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
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Develop alternatives• Range in magnitude
– “No build”• May include improvements elsewhere in
system – Operational (TSM) improvements – Minor– Full “build”
• Range in type– Modal– Alignment– Type of facility– Extent of improvement– Relationship with adjacent
development
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
11
Develop alternatives• Design criteria
– AASHTO green book (using flexibility)– AASHTO, FHWA Flexibility in Highway
Design– State DOT design manual– City/county public works design manual– Local agency guidelines (incl. zoning
overlays)– Modal guidelines (ITE CSS for walkable
communities)• Ped – AASHTO ped guide• Bike – AASHTO bike facilities guide• Bus – TCRP 19, 33, 117• Rail – TCRP 17, 69
– Landscaping
(pendingTCRP D-09 guide)
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
12
Develop alternatives
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
13
Develop alternatives• Components
– Traveled way– Streetside, roadside, wayside– Land uses– Sense of place
• Urban design• Parks• Historic features• Social fabric• Arts and activity
– Design each– Adapt per activity– Enhance each to
work together
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
WHAT DECISIONS
?
Land UseTOD Circulation
WHO DECIDES?
City CouncilsBoard of Supervisors
COMMUNITY
INFLUENCEDirect engagement
Decision-Making Context
TRANSIT SERVICE
S
ServicesVehicles
Connectivity
Transit Agency Boards
Customers
Incorporate community input into decisions
THEPROJECT
AlignmentVehicles
OperationsStationsServices
JPB/CHSRA Boards
Federal agenciesElected officials
PRP
Customers
Facilitate community
engagement
Regional/state accountabilility
HSR
AlignmentVehicles
OperationsStationsServices
CHSRA BoardFederal
agenciesElected officials
Customers
consider community
input in decisions
Statewide accountability
Caltrain improvements – S.F. peninsula line
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
15
Evaluate• One measure per objective or issue
– Quantifiable (with available data)
– Sensitive to changes in performance
• Can be categorical or ratio
• Need quantification methodology
• Can work within Delphi process
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
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Evaluate – Option: Delphi process• Combines performance and importance• One measure per criterion
– Objective– Issue
• Quantified in ratio scale• Criteria weighted per stakeholder input
– Initial– Again after interim results
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Delphi example(or other evaluation table)
Project Development
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignProject Development
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Evaluation• Converge by narrowing, refining alternatives
1. Distinct ranging alternatives
2. Workable more detailed alternatives
3. (optional) Variations on final alternative(s)
4. Preferred alternative
5. Develop preliminary design
Cycle1.Formulate/ refine
2.Evaluate 3.Discuss4.NarrowEIS
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Communities want• Flexibility• Compatibility with adjacent land uses• Balanced land use/transportation
functions• Safe and attractive streets• Multimodal facilities• Streets that are quality public space
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design*Transportation design for livable communities
Examples of flexible DOT design criteria
Minimum lane widths
FDOT TDLC Roads*
20
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Techniques to support non-drive modes
FDOT TDLC roads
21
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Tenets of CSS• Balance
– Safety– Mobility– Community objectives– Environment
• Multimodal• Involve public,
stakeholders• Interdisciplinary teams• Flexibility in design• Incorporate aesthetics
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Placemaking• Community-based approach to the development and
revitalization of cities and neighborhoods• Placemaking:
– Unique places with lasting value – Compact, mixed-use – Pedestrian and transit oriented– Strong civic character– Contributes to economic development
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
ITE framework• Context zones:
– Suburbs to downtowns• Street classification:
– Functional class – Thoroughfare type
• Boulevard• Avenue• Street
• Compatibility
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Source: Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities
Context Zones – An Organizing System for Thoroughfare Design
Source: Duany Plater-Zyberk and CompanyGraphic source: Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company
Developing Designs
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Features that create context• Land use
– Defines urban activity– Major factor in design criteria
• Site design – Arrangement of buildings, circulation, parking and landscape– Vehicle or pedestrian-orientation
• Building design– Height, massing shape context– Create enclosure/pedestrian interest
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Land use influence• Major factor in thoroughfare design• Influences:
• Travel demand• Activity in roadside• Width of roadside• On-street parking• Target speed• Freight and transit
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Site design
Developing Designs
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Feature Auto Oriented Pedestrian Oriented
Building Orientation and Setback
– Set well back into private property
– Oriented to parking or landscape
– Oriented to, and adjacent to street
– Direct pedestrian entrance on street
– Integrated with street using stoops, arcades, cafes
Parking Type and Orientation
– Surface lot between buildings and street
– Under or behind building access by alleys
– Structured– On-street
Block Length - Large blocks, often with no public throughway
- Superblocks
- Short blocks- High connected network
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Building design• Significant contributor to
context defined by:– Height and thoroughfare
enclosure– Width– Scale and variety– Entries
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Street enclosure• Building height to
thoroughfare width ratios:– 1:4 suburban– 1:2-1:3 urban
• Pedestrians first perceive enclosure at a 1:4 ratio
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
CSS tenet - thoroughfare design changes as context changesThe thoroughfare both responds to and contributes to shaping the context and defining the place
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Thoroughfare types• Three classifications:
– Boulevard– Avenue– Street
• Basis for:– Physical configuration– Design criteria– Design speed
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Functional classification in thoroughfare design
• Function and role in the network – Continuity– Trip purpose and length – Level of land access– Type of freight– Types of public transit
• Design controls – Design speed for sight distance– Horizontal and vertical curvature
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Relationship: functional classification and thoroughfare type
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Thoroughfare type in design• Design criteria
– Target speed (desirable operating speed)• Physical configuration
– With surrounding context• Dimensions for:
– Roadside– Traveled way– Intersections
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Thoroughfare type characteristics
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Speed reduction techniques
FDOT TDLC Roads
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Boulevard• Divided arterial (4+ lanes)• Target speed (35 mph or
less) • Through and local traffic• Serve longer trips • Access management• Major transit corridor• Primary freight route• Emergency response route • Limited curb parking
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Boulevard
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Multi-way boulevard• Characterized by:
– Central roadway for through traffic – Parallel roadways access abutting property,
parking, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities
– Parallel roadways separated from the through lanes by curbed islands
• Require significant right-of-way• Special treatment of intersections
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Multi-way boulevard
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Avenue• Arterial or collector (4 lanes max)• Target speed (30 to 35 mph) • Land access• Primary ped and bike route • Local transit route• Freight - local deliveries• Optional raised landscaped median• Curb parking
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Street• Collector or local street (2
lanes)• Target speed (25 mph) • Land access primary function• Designed to:
– Connect residential neighborhoods
– Connect neighborhoods with commercial districts
– Connect local streets to arterials • May be commercial main
street • Emphasizes curb parking• Freight restricted to local
deliveries
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Changing Thoroughfare & Context• Arterial Street• C-3: Suburban
Existing ConditionsSource: TJPDC, VDOT, City of Charlottesville, & Albemarle Co.
CD+A, Meyer, Mohaddes, & Urban Advantage
Developing Designs
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Boulevard Thoroughfare• C-4: General Urban
Alternative Future with Initial NetworkSource: TJPDC, VDOT, City of Charlottesville, & Albemarle Co.
CD+A, Meyer, Mohaddes, & Urban Advantage
Changing Thoroughfare & Context
Developing Designs
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Avenue Thoroughfare• C-5: Urban Center
Alternative Future with Potential “Full” NetworkSource: TJPDC, VDOT, City of Charlottesville, & Albemarle Co.
CD+A, Meyer, Mohaddes, & Urban Advantage
Changing Thoroughfare & Context
Developing Designs
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Design controls• Speed• Design vehicle• Functional class• Location• Sight distance• Horizontal / vertical alignment• Access management• Pedestrians and bicyclists
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Speed definitions• Target speed
– Desirable operating speed in specific context
– Balances • Vehicle mobility • Safe environment
– Usually posted speed limit– In CSS set by context and thoroughfare type
• Design speed– Governs certain geometric features– Usually set by functional classification
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDeveloping Designs
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• Design Vehicle– Accommodated
without encroachment
– Turns with considerable frequency
– High volumes in opposing lanes
– Example: bus
• Control Vehicle– Encroachment
allowed– Turns infrequently– Example:
emergency vehicle
Design vs. Control Vehicle
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Emergency vehicle operations• Turning capability• Access (clear areas)
– Building entrances– Hydrants– Walls
• Mountable median crossings (long blocks)
• Work with fire department
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
CSS vs. conventional design
Developing Designs
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Conventional CSS Approach
Context: UrbanRural
Urban Context:SuburbanGeneral UrbanUrban CenterUrban Core
Design criteria based primarily on:
Functional classDesign speedTravel demand forecastsLevel of service objectives
Design criteria based primarily on:
Community objectivesThoroughfare typeFunctional classAdjacent land use
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Speed and capacity of urban streets• Address capacity issues with:
– Network capacity– Synchronized signal timing– Access management– Turn lanes– Other operational refinements
• Address safety: – Case-by-case basis
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
CSS design process
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDeveloping Designs
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Thoroughfare Components
Roadside
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Considerations in cross-section design
Developing Designs
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• Local objectives• Stakeholder
priorities• Adjacent activities• Functional class• Context zone and
thoroughfare type• Modal requirements• Other conditions
– Right-of-way– Traffic volumes– Vehicle mix
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Stages in cross-section design1. Establish general parameters based on:
– Context zone– Thoroughfare type– Select starting cross-section
2. Determine number of lanes based on:– Community objectives– Thoroughfare type– Long-range transportation plan– Corridor/network capacity analysis– Maximum 6 lanes in walkable urban areas
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Stages in cross-section design3. Determine design and control vehicle4. Identify transit, freight, and bicycle
requirements– Establish dimensions
5. Develop ideal cross-section - compare to ROW
– Acquire ROW or narrow design elements, or– Widen high priority elements to match ROW– Avoid combining minimal widths
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Designing in constrained ROW• Prioritize design elements• Develop sections
– Optimal – unconstrained– Predominant – all priority elements– Functional minimum – many priority
elements– Absolute minimum – highest priority only
• ROW width less than absolute minimum– Acquire ROW incrementally– Change thoroughfare type
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Lane widths• Up to 35 mph: 10-12 feet• Over 35 mph: 11-12 feet• With buses: 11-12 feet• Bike lanes: 5-6 feet (4 feet outside
gutter pan)• Parking: 7-8 feet
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Medians• Functions
– Access management– Pedestrian refuge– Left turn lanes– Aesthetics
• Widths– 4-22 feet
• Landscaping– Trees (45 mph or less)
• 6-10 foot medians - less than 4 inch caliper
• 1½ feet lateral clearance
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Transitions• Geometric transitions (use AASHTO)
– Change in thoroughfare width– Lateral shifts– Lane drops
• Location: on tangent sections• Context, visual, operational, environmental
transition– Speed zone transition– Visual cues
• Urban design, land uses, building design, gateways, signs– Change width of thoroughfare
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Excerpt from ITE CSS guide – cross-sections
Developing Designs
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Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Streetside design• From property line to face of curb• Accommodates street activity
– Mobility– Business– Social
• Public space
Developing Designs
63
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Urban streetside uses• Movement of pedestrians• Access to buildings/property• Utilities/appurtenances• Transit stops• Landscaping• Urban design/public art• Sidewalk cafes• Business functions• Civic spaces (plazas, seating)
Developing Designs
64
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Streetside components• Streetside zones:
– Edge Zone– Furnishings Zone– Throughway Zone (ADA)– Frontage Zone
• Function and dimensions vary by context zone and adjacent land use
Developing Designs
65
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Streetside cross-section guidelines
Developing Designs
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1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
0.5 feet
7 feet(trees in tree wells)
7 feet(trees in tree wells)
8 feet(landscape strip w/ trees and grasses or
groundcovers)
10 feet 8 feet 8 feet
3 feet 2.5 feet0 feet along lawn and groundcover
1 foot along low walls, fences, and hedges1.5 feet along facades, tall walls, and fences
0.5 feet
10 feet(landscape strip w/ trees and groundcovers or
low shrubs)
8 feet
0 feet along lawn and groundcover1 foot along low walls, fences, and hedges
1.5 feet along facades, tall walls, and fences
1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
0.5 feet
WithParking
6 feettrees in tree wells
6 feet(trees in tree wells)
8 feet(landscape strip w/ trees and grasses or
groundcovers)
WithoutParking
8 feet with buffer landscaping
8 feet with buffer landscaping
8 feet with buffer landscaping
9 feet 6 feet 6 feet
3 feet 2.5 feet0 feet along lawn and groundcover
1 foot along low walls, fences, and hedges1.5 feet along facades, tall walls, and fences
1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
1.5 feet2.5 feet at diagonal parking
0.5 feet
6 feet(trees in tree wells)
6 feet(trees in tree wells)
5 feet(landscape strip w/ trees and grasses or
groundcovers)
6 feet 6 feet 6 feet
2.5 feet 2.5 feet0 feet along lawn and groundcover
1 foot along low walls, fences, and hedges1.5 feet along facades, tall walls, and fences
C-4 w/ Predominantly Residential Frontage
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C-6 and C-5C-4 w/ Predominantly Commercial Ground
Floor Use
Throughway
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Edge
Throughway
Furnishings
Furnishings
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THIS THOROUGHFARE TYPE NOT APPLICABLE TO THE PREDOMINANTLY COMMERCIAL GROUND FLOOR LAND USES FOUND IN C-4 THROUGH C-6 CONTEXT
ZONES
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Edge zone• Interface with traveled way
• Functions– Vehicle overhang and clearance
– Door opening area
– Wheelchair access at transit stops
• No (rural) clear zone width
• Lateral clearance– 1½ ft from curb face
Developing Designs
67
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Furnishings zone• Buffers pedestrians from
traveled way• Functions
– Street furniture, public art– Utilities (within zone)– Transit stops– Lighting– Public spaces (seating)– Business space (cafes)– Landscaping
• Safe landscaping– Sight lines (CPTED)– Sight distances
Developing Designs
68
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Throughway and frontage zones• Throughway zone
– Clear area for pedestrian travel– ADAAG requirements– No utilities
• Frontage zone– Area adjacent to property line– “Shy” distance from buildings– Business space (cafes, signs)– Landscaping– Seating– Building access
Developing Designs
69
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Clear zones on urban thoroughfares• Defined as an edge zone clear of fixed
objects• Less consequence than rural context
– Lower speeds– Parked vehicles
• Often not practical in urban areas• Rural standards not used in urban
walkable areas
Developing Designs
70
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Driveways• Minimize in high pedestrian activity areas• Maintain sidewalk cross slope
Developing Designs
71
Best If necessary
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Traveled way• Central portion of thoroughfare between
curbs• Provides for movement of vehicles• Interface with roadside via on-street
parking
Developing Designs
72
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Traveled way components• Functions, modes• Widths, ROW allocations• Through travel and turn lanes• Access management• Parking, transit stops, bike lanes• Emergency vehicle operations• Transitions• Mid-block crosswalks• Medians, pedestrian refuge
islands
Developing Designs
73
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Lane widths• Recommended practice
– Urban freeways: • 12 feet normal• 11 feet constrained
– Arterials and collectors• 10–11 feet on arterials and
collectors• 12-feet under special circumstances
– Based on:• Target speed• Design vehicle• Right-of-way• Width of adjacent parking and
bicycle lanes
Developing Designs
74
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Medians• Recommended practice
Developing Designs
75
Recommended Median Widths on Low Speed Thoroughfares (35 mph or less)
Thoroughfare TypeMinimum
WidthRecommende
d Width
Median for access control
Arterial Boulevards and Avenues4 ft. 6 ft.
Collector Avenues and Streets
Median for pedestrian refuge
Arterial Boulevards and Avenues6 ft. 8 ft.
Collector Avenues and Streets
Median for street trees and lighting
Arterial Boulevards and Avenues6 ft. 10 ft.
Collector Avenues and Streets
Median for single left-turn lane
Collector Avenues and Streets 10 ft. 14 ft.
Arterial Boulevards and Avenues 12 ft. 16-18 ft.
Median for dual left turn lane
Arterial Boulevards and Avenues 20 ft. 22 ft.
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Street trees - Recommended practice• In medians
– Min. median width• 6 feet for up to 4” caliper trees• 10 feet for larger trees
– Avoid trees larger than 4” caliper • Speed > 45 mph• Or use barrier
Developing Designs
76
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Bicycle lanes• Recommended practice
– Combined with on-street parking = 13 feet– Without on-street parking = 6 feet
Developing Designs
77
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
On-street parking – recommended practice
Developing Designs
78
Recommended Parallel Parking Lane Widths
Thoroughfare Type in C-3 through C-6 Context Zones
Parallel Parking Lane Width (commercial and residential areas)
Arterial Boulevard (commercial) 8 ft.
Arterial Boulevard (residential) 7 ft.
Parallel Parking Lane Width (residential areas)
Arterial Avenue 7 ft.
Collector Avenue and Street 7 ft.
Parallel Parking Lane Width (commercial areas)
Arterial Avenue 8 ft.
Collector Avenue and Street 8 ft.
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Mid-block crosswalks - Recommended practice– Locate so crossings are 200-300 feet apart– Significant pedestrian demand– Criteria
• 12,000 ADT or less• 15,000 ADT with median refuge• Speed less than 40 mph• Adequate sight distance
Developing Designs
79
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Urban intersections• General principles
– Minimize conflicts between modes
– Minimize pedestrian exposure– Provide crosswalks on all
approaches– Minimize curb radii consistent
with design/control vehicle– Ensure good visibility– Balance vehicle LOS with
pedestrian convenience and safety
Developing Designs
80
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Urban intersections - Design elements– Through and turning lanes– Intersection sight distance– Medians– Curb return radii– Design vehicle– Channelized right turns– Modern roundabouts– Crosswalks and refuges– Curb extensions– Bicycle lane treatment– Bus stops– Traffic signals
Developing Designs
81
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Urban intersections• Avoid large undefined open spaces
Developing Designs
82
Source: City of Palo AltoCD+A, FPA, and Urban Advantage
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Urban intersections - Creating opportunities to improve context
Developing Designs
83
Source: City of Palo AltoCD+A, FPA, and Urban Advantage
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Intersections – simplify for all modes
Developing Designs
84
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Intersections – Curb return radius - recommended practice– Consider
• Design vehicle• Effective width• Curb return radii
– Minimum radius = 5 feet– Use 10-15 feet radius
• High ped volumes• Low turning volumes and speed• Bike/parking lanes create higher effective radii
Developing Designs
85
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Curb extension and effective corner radius
FDOT TDLC Roads
86
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Curb extensions• Improve visibility
• Reduce crossing width
• On streets with parking
• Recommended practice– Extend curb line 1 ft. less than
parking width
– Curb return radius for control vehicle
– Use with bus stops to increase waiting area
Developing Designs
87
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Channelized right turns - recommended practice
• Generally discouraged in walkable environments
• Signalized intersections with heavy right turns
• Low pedestrian volumes• Where pedestrian volumes high –
eliminate or install pedestrian signal• Low-angle turn• Clear visibility• Illumination
Developing Designs
88
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Roundabouts - recommended practice
Developing Designs
89
Parameter
Minimum “Mini-
Roundabout”
Urban Compact
Roundabout
Urban Single-Lane Roundabout
Urban Double-Lane Roundabout
Maximum Entry Speed (mph) 15 15 20 25
Design Vehicle
Bus and Single-unit truck drive over apron
Bus and Single-Unit
Truck WB-50
WB-67 with lane
encroachment on truck apron
Inscribed circle diameter (feet) 45 to 80 80 to 100 100 to 130 150 to 180 Maximum number of entering lanes
1 1 1 2
Typical capacity (vehicles per day entering from all approaches)
10,000 15,000 20,000 40,000
Applicability by Thoroughfare Type:
Boulevard Not
Applicable Not
Applicable Not
Applicable Applicable
Arterial Avenue Not
Applicable Not
Applicable Applicable Applicable
Collector Avenue Applicable Not
Applicable Applicable Not Applicable
Street Applicable Applicable Applicable Not Applicable
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDeveloping Designs
90
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Roundabouts
Developing Designs
91
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Design exceptions – 13 controlling criteria– Design/target speed– Lane width– Shoulder width– Bridge width– Horizontal alignment– Superelevation– Cross slope
• Needed when– Cannot meet minimums in applicable design
manual– Reasonable alternative design will work safely
Design Exceptions
92
• Vertical alignment• Grade• Stopping sight distance• Vertical clearance• Horizontal clearance• Structural capacity
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Number state DOTs reporting frequent design exceptions by criterionNCHRP Synthesis 316
Frequent design Exceptions
93
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Consider trade-offs• Mobility, access• Road user needs• Environmental impacts• Capital and operating
costs• Safety• Aesthetics• Local considerations
Design Exceptions
94
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDesign Exceptions
95
Spe
ed o
r V
olu
me
Design Domain and Risk
Adapted from: O. Arndt, R. Cox, “Using an Enlarged Design Domain for Road Restoration Projects,” Queensland Department of Main Roads, 2006.
Design Criteria
Decreasing scope for defense
Extended
Design Domain
Normal
Standard Minimums
Lower limit of extended design domain – existing roads
Increasing liability risk,
Lower limit of extended design domain – new roads
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
• Strong case– Show criteria not applicable
• Project can be safe not following criteria• Environmental or community needs prohibit
meeting criteria• Criteria impractical to meet
– Weak case• Saves money• Saves time• Designer found loop hole• Design similar to other existing designs
Design Exceptions
96
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Minimum documentation• Established design criteria• Reasons criteria cannot be met• Why proposal is most applicable• Applicable background information• Pertinent information
– Safety assessment– Operations
Design Exceptions
97
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDesign Exception Form
98
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Documentation must be• Deliberative• Defensible• Clearly written• Explicitly evaluate safety
– Who is at risk• Motorists, pedestrians, etc.
– Exposure• Traffic volumes• Location
– Extent of exception– How risk is managed (solely relying on standards
does not guaranty facility free of risk)
Design Exceptions
99
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignDesign Exception Process
100
Florida DOT design and utility exception process
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Rule of thumb for success• No reasonable, feasible, practical solution
available that meets criteria, or• Selection of proposed criteria is advantageous
and results in overall superior designand• Use of proposed criteria is not expected to
unduly degrade or hinder safety or operational performance of the proposed facility
Design Exceptions
101
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Reference (available on-line):
Design Exceptions
102
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and DesignAASHTO• A Guide for Achieving Flexibility in Highway Design, 1st Edition• A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 5th Edition• Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 1st Edition• Guide for High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Facilities, 3rd Edition• Guide for Park-and-Ride Facilities, 2nd Edition• Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 3rd Edition• Roadside Design Guide, 3rd Edition• Roadway Lighting Design Guide• Design for Transit Vehicles and Facilities on Streets and Highways (pending from TCRP D-09)
ITE• Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities (2nd edition pending – retitled to Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares: A Context Sensitive Approach)
• Urban Geometric Design Handbook• Guidelines for Driveway Location and Design• Guidelines for Neighborhood Street DesignTRB• A Guide for Transportation Landscape and Environmental Design (update pending)• Access Management Manual
Design References
103
Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation Planning, Environmental
Analysis and Design
Class Project Discussion
104
• Projects to be – Presented Class 28– Submitted at start of Class 29
• Student questions?