Lessons from nine states bringing ‘practical solutions’ from policy to practice

Smart Growth America recently concluded two years of technical assistance with nine state DOTs. The projects focused on “Accelerating Practical Solutions,” and addressed practices that hold back DOTs from consistently building lower-cost and context-sensitive projects. SGA has developed seven white papers based on key changes DOTs are making.

Florida DOT hits milestone in context-based street design

As part of its Complete Streets Implementation, the Florida Department of Transportation recently adopted eight context classifications to guide road design decisions. Under this new system, planners and engineers will consider existing and future characteristics such as land uses, building configuration, and street connectivity to ensure that roads are designed for the right vehicle speeds, road users, and trip types.

NJDOT uses flexibility, community engagement to build context-sensitive interchange

When $17 million in funding was set aside for a new interchange on NJ Route 42 in suburban Camden County in 2005, NJDOT’s design concepts involved traditional clover leaf and diamond designs to improve automobile level of service and mobility. However, after engaging the community in a dialog about their vision for the future of the area—which focused on increasing development near the interchange and creating a more walkable environment—planners and designers settled on a more context-sensitive solution that would slow traffic, preserve land for development, and set the stage for a grid roadway network.

Florida evaluating road design standards over safety concerns

During the past decade, cities across Florida have ranked among the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians. Florida DOT hopes to change that. In 2011, Billy Hattaway rejoined the agency as a district secretary and head of its bicycle and pedestrian program after several years in the private sector. His efforts, focused largely on road design, recently earned him recognition from GOVERNING as a Public Official of Year.

Going the Distance Together: A Citizen’s Guide to Context Sensitive Solutions for Better Transportation (National Cooperative Highway Research Program, 2012)

This guide is designed to help people ask the right questions at the right time during the transportation planning process in order to help ensure that transportation projects fit the context of their community. Download …

Going the Distance Together: A Citizen’s Guide to Context Sensitive Solutions for Better Transportation (National Cooperative Highway Research Program, 2012)

This guide is designed to help people ask the right questions at the right time during the transportation planning process in order to help ensure that transportation projects fit the context of their community. Download …

Why “forgiving roadways” are not the solution in urban areas

Roadway designers since the 1960’s have used the concept of “forgiving highways.” Due to its success in reducing fatal crashes on high speed access controlled roadways, engineers have been applying this methodology to urban streets in built up areas as well. However, this approach might actually make certain roads deadlier for motorists, as it encourages drivers to drive faster and less cautiously, and it has been shown to lessen pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

The Nature of Context-Sensitive Solutions, Stakeholder Involvement and Critical Issues in the Urban Context (Mineta Transportation Institute, 2011)

Many transportation and planning agencies experience conflicting demands emerging from the need to develop projects in an expeditious manner while at the same time involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. This study examines the issue in the …