1 Context Sensitive Design CE 453 Highway Design Iowa State University Howard R. Green Company

2 Where do we want to end up? Understand the concepts of CSD Apply CSD to a real project process See where the theory of CSD has been successful

3 Background 1991 ISTEA Balanced transportation projects with community and environmental values. 1997FHWA/AASHTO, Flexibility in Highway Design Identifies flexible highway design tools available to help sustain important community interests without compromising safety. 1998FHWA/AASHTO/Maryland DOT, “Thinking Beyond the Pavement” National Workshop Encouraged the best ways of integrating highways with their communities and the environment while maintaining safety and mobility.

4 Context Sensitive Design …is a collaborative approach, which involves all stakeholders to develop a transportation facility that fits its physical setting and preserves scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources, while maintaining safety and mobility.

5 Principles Qualities Project satisfies purpose and need Safe facility for user and community In harmony with the community while preserving environmental values Efficient and effective use of resources Minimal disruption to the community Adds lasting value to the community Achieves excellence in people’s minds

6 Principles Characteristics Establish multi-disciplinary team early Understand the community and valued resources before designing Involve a full range of stakeholders, purpose clear Process examines multiple alternatives Commitment to the process from top officials and leaders Open, continuous communication with stakeholders Public involvement process is tailored to the project

7 Why is CSD Important? Promotes active citizen participation Balances community needs with transportation goals Provides an integrated development framework Seeks stakeholder and community values Puts the customer first Enhances community acceptance Encourages a lasting public works legacy

8 Benefits Making development decisions for the right reasons Better protection for the environment and other community assets Projects look and fit better into their physical setting Enhances community livability and sustainability Can save time and money by reducing “rework” cycle Creates opportunities for design excellence

9 What is Context? Context is everything related to the environment, places, and people where a project is located.

10 Every Project has Context!

11 Understanding Context Natural Resources Community Resources Cultural Resources People

12 Natural Resources

13 Natural Resources

14 Community Resources

15 Community Resources

16 Cultural Resources

17 Cultural Resources

18 Context Sensitive Design TH 61 Corridor Study

20 We are Here Public Open House Advisory Committee Meeting Time to Complete Task MayJuneJulyAug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Jan.Feb.Mar.Apr.MayJuneJulyAug.Sept.Oct.Nov.Dec.Jan.Feb. Project Management Data Collection Needs and Issues Assessment Develop and Evaluate Alternative Solutions Draft and Final TH 61 Corridor Transportation and Access Mgmt. Plan Early and Continuing Public and Agency Involvement Partnership Among: Mn/DOT – Counties – Cities – Townships – State & Local Agencies – Corridor Stakeholders

21 DOT/Municipality/etc. Advisory Committee -Provide Input -Provide Business Perspective -Identify Deficiencies -Suggest Mitigation Strategies -Provide two-way communication between Advisory Committee and organization Context Sensitive Design Workshop -Identify Community Values and Issues -Identify Opportunities and Constraints -Consider Roadway Safety -Develop Corridor Vision Residents -Identify Issues -Review and Comment on Mitigation Strategies Design Consultant -Provide Technical Support & Analysis

22 Why are we going through the process? Create a suitable corridor Identify community values & issues Guarantee the opportunity to participate Share stakeholder viewpoints, visions, and goals Understand the transportation constraints

23 What won’t this workshop do? Determine corridor alignment Guarantee everything will happen Accuse or be confrontational Win or Lose Compromise safety

24 Goal To BALANCE: Community values Environmental considerations Safety and capacity Economic realities

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34 Stakeholder Input An opportunity to bring YOU, the community stakeholders, into the project study process early: –to provide input as individuals and community representatives –to identify community issues –to share values –to determine important elements related to the project –to consider what the BALANCE between safety, capacity, community, and environment is fair and practical

35 Traffic & Transportation Issues Truck vs. car traffic Destination vs. thru traffic Pedestrian Circulation: safe crossings, bikeways

36 Business & Commerce Values Maintain small town image vs. the strip Maintaining good commerce flow- goods, services, people Maintaining appropriate land use – residential, business, industry

37 Environmental Values Visual & scenic preservation Cultural – architecture, archeological, historical features Natural resources – wetlands, lake, bluffs

38 Tourism & Recreation Values Should this be a destination community corridor? What is the emphasis on local & regional tourism? What is the importance & value of recreation in the corridor?

39 The BIG question is… What is the BALANCE between community/corridor and transportation needs?

40 Analyze and Evaluate Input from CSD Workshop Develop Alternatives to Balance: –Safety –Mobility –Environment –Economic Investment Present Alternatives to Advisory Committee for Review and Comment Revise Alternatives Public Information Open House – Present Feasible Alternatives for Review and Comment 40 TH 61 Corridor Study

41 Successful Projects using Context Sensitive Design

42 What Defines a Successful Project? Community Acceptance Environmental compatibility Engineering and technical credibility Financial feasibility Timely delivery

Lake Place, Duluth

Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel TH 61

Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway TH 38

Gooseberry Falls, TH 61

Alternatives and Design Flexibility Studies

Desired Outcome: Design Excellence