INTRODUCTION

While the design of streets should follow the standards and guidance established by the well-known transportation agencies and organizations, this chapter introduces additional guidance for the design of streets in a lower-speed environment typically associated with land development projects. Traffic-calming measures and bicycle facilities are a few growing concepts that designers need to consider and introduce into their land development street designs with the intent of creating a safer roadway environment.

Most of the design guidance for high-speed, high-volume highways has been established by organizations such as American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Design guidance for low-speed roads is typically established by local municipal or state agencies by modifying the criteria for highways. However, the popular AASHTO design manual A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets has incorporated discussions and provided design guidance regarding local roads and streets in both urban and rural settings. Many local agencies have adopted the AASHTO manual entirely or with modifications to reflect regional philosophies and conditions. AASHTO guidance represents the consensus of state transportation agencies, the FHWA, representatives of the American Public Works Association, the National Association of County Engineers, and others. They provide a consistent basis for street design with appropriate variations for climates, terrain, and economic factors.

The FHWA publishes the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).