03-24-1993 Council Workshop Agenda

Home Browse Search

34 Residential Streets Principles of Systems Layout The design of circulation and access systems in new residential developments should reflect basic principles that relate to entire street systems rather than to individual elements of the system. The design of local street systems must recognize the following factors (Institute of Transportation Engineers, 1984): • Safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic; • Efficiency of service for all users; • Livability of the residential environment; • Economy of land use, construction, and maintenance. The street layout is an integral part of the success of the com- munity in terms of both function and marketability of the homes built. The street layout determines utility installation locations, the solar orientation of the homes, the degree of interaction among neighbors, and many other features. Each of the following guide- lines is an elaboration of one or more of the four factors noted above. These guidelines are not intended as absolute criteria since in some instances, depending upon the design priorities, they may conflict with one another (Institute of Transportation Engineers, Recommended Guidelines for Subdivision Streets. Washington, D.C.: ITE, 1984). • Paved access should be provided to all developed parcels. • Street system design should discourage through traffic on local residential streets. • The layout of a local street system should not create excessive travel lengths. • Local street systems should be logical and understandable; the street system should be easily "read" by the user. • Local circulation systems and land development patterns should not detract from the efficiency of adjacent major streets. • The local circulation system should not have to rely on ex- tensive traffic regulations or control devices to function effi- ciently and safely. • Traffic generators such as schools, churches, or neighborhood shops within residential areas should be considered in the local circulation pattern. • Residential streets should clearly communicate their local function and place in the street hierarchy. • The local street system should be designed for a relatively uniform low volume of traffic. Collectors, however, should be planned to accommodate peak periods of demand. • To discourage excessive speeds, streets should be designed with curves, changes in alignment, and short lengths. Fur- ther, streets should not be designed to be wider than is nec- essary. Page 10