A Step-by-Step Guide to Complete Streets Implementation Mark A. Cole, PE Charlotte Department of Transportation tcat Complete Streets Forum April 23, 2010
Speaking Points Complete Streets Implementation In Charlotte The Urban Street Design Guidelines (USDG) and a 6-step Implementation Process Example Projects Challenges Thoughts related to monitoring the effectiveness of completed projects
They Are Coming 2000 2030 population growth equals: St. Louis (348,000) Pittsburgh (335,000) Cincinnati (331,000)
Charlotte Population Growth 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 Population Land Area 0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Year 0
Transportation Action Plan Charlotte s first comprehensive transportation plan Describes policies, projects and programs USDG are the streets component of the TAP Many TAP policies either refer to the USDG or depend on the USDG for full implementation
The TAP and the USDG TAP Goal 2 provide more and better travel choices More (quantity) specified in TAP policies and TAP programs Better (quality) defined by the USDG
The USDG (17) policy statements (6-step) planning and design process (land-use based) street options design requirements and expectations (dimensions, tradeoffs)
Intent of the USDG Context-based streets Complete streets safety and functionality for all modes Complete street network
A Variety of Street Types Main Street Avenue Avenue Local Local Streets Street Boulevard Boulevard Parkway Pedestrian- Oriented Land Uses and Street Designs Auto- Oriented
The USDG 6-Step Process Existing & Future Conditions 1. Define Land Use Context 2. Define Transportation Context Goals & Objectives 3. Identify Deficiencies 4. Define Future Objectives Decision-Making 5. Define Street Type & Initial Cross-Section 6. Describe Tradeoffs & Select Cross-Section
Prescriptive Design
Non-Prescriptive Design
USDG Capital Project Progress Completed Anticipated /Underway 9 Thoroughfares rebuilt/extended 17 19 Streetscapes and road-conversions 8 11 Intersections 8 37 Sidewalks 66 9 Area Plans 6
South and Woodlawn
Rozzelles Ferry & West Trade
Rozzelles Ferry Road
Stonewall Street
Charlottetowne Avenue
West Morehead Street
East Boulevard
Cindy Lane
Oakdale Road Farm-To-Market
Oakdale # 2
Robinson Church Roundabout
USDG Provisions For Cycling Continue to expand Charlotte s bicycle network Bike lanes on higher volume/speed streets Bike routes on lower volume/speed streets Advantages for all users
City Projects with Bike Lanes City projects built with bike lanes: Rozzelles Ferry Rd. Central Avenue Charlottetowne Ave. Cindy Ln. Dewitt Ln. East Blvd. Hickory Grove Rd. Old Pineville Road Prosperity Church Rd. Stonewall Ave. W. Morehead St. Archdale Dr. Arrowood Rd. Clanton Rd. Morris Field Dr. 55 miles of bike lanes
Sidewalks Installed approx. 100 miles over last five years through Capital program sidewalk widths (vary by land use) Expand street tree canopy
Traffic Calming Safer/more appropriate speeds Enhanced livability Justified with more connections Avoids future retrofits
Challenges Changing the way people think about street function Retrofitting existing streets Construction and engineering challenges because of new/different standards City ordinance changes
Monitoring Completed Projects Before & After Studies Data Collection to include: Speed data Crash data Volume data User surveys and feedback Maintenance issues Gathering this type of information will help to promote the complete streets approach
We still have work to do
Questions?
Adding Capacity 1950s to 1990s Capacity Improvements Focus on Thoroughfares and Intersections 60 Minute AM or PM Peak Level of Service 2000s Capacity Improvements Focus on Connectivity 120 Minute AM or PM Peak Level of Service
Implementation of Complete Streets - Funding TAP recommended $3.57B in transportation investments over 25-year period (not inflated) 2006, 2008, and proposed 2010 bond referendums have/will provide over $372 Million for transportation (street) projects
Changing Philosophy Previous: USDG: Focused on motorists All modes considered equally Little (no?) distinction by land use Defined land use/ urban design expectations