Complete Streets Training Module 10 – Street Elements: Design & Safety Considerations for Context-Based Solutions

Module introduction Chapter 9, Street Elements: Design Considerations for Context-Based Solutions  Street-side elements  Travel way considerations 2

Context-based solutions  The design input team designs for all users as well as the differing contexts  There are various elements both street- side and within the street travel way that should be considered 3

Street-side elements  Landscaping and street trees –Serve both aesthetic and functional purpose –Considerations: A tree canopy is desired on most street types Ensure visibility Landscaping should allow access to parked vehicles Attempt to offset street trees and landscaping from other elements 4 Pg 152

Street-side elements  Stormwater facilities –The most economical and effective method for stormwater quality mitigation is to apply it at the source –Include sustainable stormwater management practices Dry, Wet and Bio-Swales Infiltration trenches or devices Filtering (sand filters, organic filter, bio- retention), Filter strips Porous pavement Stormwater Detention 5

Street-side elements  Provision of sidewalks: slopes and retaining walls –Providing retaining walls can create space for a sidewalk that would otherwise not be possible –Considerations: Include additional sidewalk width as a buffer to the wall (at least 1 ft.) For sidewalks constructed near the top of retaining walls, include a handrail at the top of the retaining wall. 6

Street-side elements  Curb Ramps –A minimum of two curb ramps –The walking surface should be stable, firm and a slip resistant surface, with detectable warning domes –Curb ramps should allow for the crossing to occur in the safest, most visible location –Place push buttons as shown in the plans or as shown in the current edition of the MUTCD. –See Guidelines Appendix 7

Street-side elements  Utilities -- Placement considerations: –Placed underground whenever possible –Place longitudinal underground utility lines in a uniform alignment as close to the right of way line as practical –Consolidate utility poles and signage poles where possible 8 Pg 156

Street-side elements  Accessibility In planning and designing for complete streets, whether in a new street or a retrofit/rehabilitation project, each must be designed and implemented so that they are accessible and usable by individuals of all ages and abilities, to the maximum extent feasible 9

ADA considerations ADA addresses the needs of all users 10

ADA considerations ADA addresses the needs of all users 11

General Principles Sidewalk design and construction practices should have:  Smooth surfaces  Sufficient width  Clear of obstructions  Sidewalk should not slope excessively  Not every possible design can be anticipated in standards 12

ADA Requirements For Sidewalks Well-designed sidewalks meet ADA requirements: Sidewalks should be clear of obstructions ₋ 4’ min clearance (5’ recommended) 13

ADA Requirements For Sidewalks Well-designed sidewalks meet ADA requirements: Sidewalk surface should be smooth 14

Well-designed sidewalks meet ADA requirements: –Sidewalk should be at 2% max cross slope including at driveways ADA Requirements For Sidewalks 15

Pulling sidewalk back at driveway creates de facto planter strip instead of curbside sidewalk (at driveway only) 16

Detectable warnings  Curb ramps/detectable warnings –See Appendix D –Used to alert people with vision impairments –Required on curb ramps 17

Curb ramps  2 ramps at each corner are best  Level landings should be provided  Max 1:12 ramp slope 18

Basic grade requirements  Grade: –Maximum 5% continuous, or 1:12 for a rise of 2.5 feet –Applies where can be controlled (ramps & some paths) 19

Travel way considerations  Drainage grates and utility covers –Can be serious hazards to bicyclists –When a street is designed, constructed or modified, all grates and covers should be bicycle safe –Utility covers should typically not be located in the bicycle travel zone 20 Pg 159

Travel way considerations  Shoulder rumble strips –Bicyclists are affected by rumble strips –Considerations: Wide outside paved shoulders improve safety for all highway and road users. Allow at 4’ min. beyond the rumble strips to the edge of the paved shoulder Recurring short gaps should be designed in with gaps of ’ at 60’ intervals (AASHTO guidance) Decreased width of rumble strip and/or decreased offset width to the edge line may provide additional space usable to bicyclists 21

Travel way considerations  Clear zone –Can include parking, bike lane, turn lane, and curb & gutter –In urban areas, the application of the clear zone concept is of lower priority for urban/suburban main streets, avenues and some boulevards –For facilities posted at 25mph, 35mph and 45mph, NCDOT has defined its urban clear zone as 8’, 10’ and 12’, respectively Deviations from the urban clear zone dimensions will be discussed by NCDOT and the local agency on a case-by-case basis 22 Pg 156

Travel way considerations Recommendations for streets with posted speeds of 25 and 35 mph 23