With the increasing realization that transportation facilities can no longer be designed as "reactionary" measures to land use decisions, many communities are turning to a more integrated land use and transportation planning process adhering to Smart Growth principles. Unfortunately, many local and state design standards often require roadway design parameters that are completely out of context with the surrounding environment; implementation of these "standards" within a Smart Growth framework often results in roadways that encourage higher vehicular speeds at the expense of other modes, creating a pedestrian-hostile environment in an area that should be better balanced for all modes and sensitive to the context in which it exists. This paper examines the issues facing designers wishing to create context-sensitive roadways and the flexibility afforded by nationally-accepted design practices and guidelines. It also presents some examples where this flexibility has allowed for facilities to be constructed that blend into and enhance the surrounding environment. Finally, it answers the question of "what's next?" in terms of mainstreaming the practice of context-sensitive design and solutions.
Designing Inside the Box — Strategies to Successfully Marry Smart Growth and Context-Sensitive Transportation Initiatives
Transportation Land Use, Planning, and Air Quality Congress 2007 ; 2007 ; Orlando, Florida, United States
2008-05-15
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
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