Draft – 26 October 2010
Street design solutions for China Taylor Reiss + Nicola Szibbo Global Metropolitan Studies December 2010
Table of Contents Defining the problem
1. A. B.
Development patterns Street design
Potential Solutions
2. A. B. C. D. E.
Traffic circles + roundabouts Underground roads Pedestrian overpasses Pedestrians walkways One-way couplets
Defining the Problem Street network and housing development in China is very different than in the United States and Europe
Defining the problem: Development There is a significant amount of current development that is dramatically changing the urban fabric of Chinese cities. Some of the issues with the current development include: ` Rapid urbanization ` Very high-density development ` Wide, multiple lane arterials in large right-of-ways ` City scale built for cars, not people ` Large superblock development
Rapid urbanization and high-density development
Image Source: Warner Brown, Photo of Chenggong, Kunming
Large arterials for increased motorization
Image Source: Warner Brown, Photo of Chenggong, Kunming
Cities built for cars, not for people
Image Source: Yizhen Gu
Superblocks
Image Source: Yizhen Gu, Photo of Olympic Village Beijing
Large Superblocks vs. Walkable, Connected Grids CONNECTED Location: Portland, OR Downtown Block size: 220’ x 220’
CONNECTED Location: Vancouver, BC Downtown Block size: 260’ x 470’
CONNECTED Location: Plan for Downtown Chenggong, Kunming Block size: 580’/340’ x 340’
SUPERBLOCK Location: Plan for Daxing New Town, Beijing Block size: >500’ x >500’
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo
Defining the problem: Street design One specifically problematic element of current Chinese development is the design of very wide streets.These streets have given rise to a many significant issues, including: ` ` ` ` `
Long pedestrian crossing distances with short crossing times Awkward and undesirable crossing options Lack of crossings over arterials Inaccessible transit stations Conflicts between: ` ` `
Vehicles & pedestrians Vehicles & motorized bikes Motorized bikes & Pedestrians
Large crossing distances and short crossing times for pedestrians at intersections
Image Source: Brittany
Awkward and unattractive pedestrian crossings
Image Source: Yujiang Mou
Transit stations are largely inaccessible at ground level for pedestrians
Image Source: Yujiang Mou
Lack of pedestrian crossings over arterials
Image Source: Warner Brown
Conflict #1: Vehicle & Pedestrian
Image Source: Warner Brown
Conflict #1: Vehicle & Pedestrian
Image Source: Warner Brown
Conflict #2: Vehicle & Motorized Bike
Image Source: Brittany
Conflict #3: Motorized Bike & Pedestrian
Image Source: Yujian Mou
Summary: Proposed Planning Principles ` ` ` `
Create smaller block sizes Increase the number of through-streets & secondary streets Provide better crossing options for pedestrians Segregate bicycle lanes from pedestrian sidewalks
Solutions: Traffic Circles Traffic circles have been used around the world to handle high levels of motorized and non-motorized traffic in high density urban areas.
Traffic Circles versus Roundabouts Roundabout
Traffic Circle
Traffic Control
Yield control is used on all entries.
Some traffic circles use stop control, or no control, on one or more entries.
Priority to circulating vehicles
Circulating vehicles have the right of way
Some traffic circles require circulating traffic to yield to entering traffic
Pedestrian access
Pedestrian access is allowed only across the legs of the roundabout, behind the yield line
Some traffic circles allow pedestrian access to the center island
Source: FHWA, Roundabouts: An Informational Guide
In large urban areas, traffic circles are more common because it is easier to accommodate heavier pedestrian and bicycle traffic with traffic signal control instead of yield control.
Precedent comparison: US/European Traffic Circles Country City
Name
ADT
USA New York1
New York2
Columbus Circle
Frederick Douglass Circle
Washington2
Dupont Circle
89,424
30,500
22,000
Vehicle Crashes per year
4
0.8
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
2.8
.8
0
Number of circulating travel lanes
5
3
Number of entering legs
5
5
France
UK
Washington2
Paris3
London4
Logan Circle
Place Charles de Gaulle/ d'Etoile
Old Street Roundabout
186,300
-
21.0
-
0
3.3
2.8*
4
4
4 to 5
4 to 5
10
7
12
4
-
~55,000 -
1 NYDOT 2010. Matthew Roe. (*Yearly rate derived from Total Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents in a 5 yr Period). 2 DDOT 2008 Traffic Volume Maps (September 2009), DDOT District of Columbia Pedestrian Master Plan – Pedestrian Injury Data 2000-2006 3 Jacobs, A et Al. Working paper 1994. Boulevards: A Study of Safety, Behavior, and Usefulness. 4 GLA 2009 Pedestrians injured in Collisions 5yrs to 31 May 2010 – Old St Roundabout area (* Yearly rate derived from Total Pedestrian Accidents in a 5 yr Period)
Place Charles de Gaulle| Paris, France Summary Statistics ADT
186,300
Vehicle Crashes per year
21.0
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
3.3
Number of circulating travel lanes
4 to 5
Number of entering legs
12 Image Source: Google Earth
Place Charles de Gaulle| Paris, France `
` `
Use of monumental art to define central island Attractive street lighting Pedestrians use underground passage to reach center island; Bollards add protection
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons, Wally G.
Logan Circle | Washington D.C. Summary Statistics ADT
~55,000
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
0
Number of circulating travel lanes
4
Number of entering legs
7 Image Source: Google Earth
Logan Circle | Washington D.C. `
`
Attractive high density housing faces the traffic circle; adds vitality to the street life Public park in the central island provides green space
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons, Thisisbossi
Columbus Circle | New York, NY Summary Statistics ADT
89,424
Vehicle Crashes per year
4
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
2.8
Number of circulating travel lanes
5
Number of entering legs
5 Image Source: Google Earth
Columbus Circle | New York, NY `
`
`
An outer bicycle lane help bicyclists move through the circle at critical junctions 3 consolidated crossings discourage jay walking and increases crossing safety Wide sidewalks allow pedestrians to easily circulate around the circle
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Bing Maps 3D 2010.
Columbus Circle | New York, NY
Image Source: Bing Maps 3D 2010.
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Kevin H
Frederick Douglass Circle | New York, NY Summary Statistics ADT
30,500
Vehicle Crashes per year
0.8
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
0.8
Number of circulating travel lanes
3
Number of entering legs
Image Source: Flickr, cmputrbluu
5
Frederick Douglass Circle | New York, NY ` ` `
Historic public art reflects the neighborhood Simple 3-lane roadway design is easy for motorists and pedestrians to understand Unique pedestrian barrier and paving treatments reflect overall integrated design of the central island
Image Source: Harlemcondolife.com
Image Source: Flickr, cmputrbluu
Image Source: Harlemcondolife.com
Image Source: Bing Maps 3D 2010.
Dupont Circle | Washington D.C. Summary Statistics ADT
22,000
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
0
Number of circulating travel lanes
4
Number of entering legs
10 Image Source: Google Earth
Dupont Circle | Washington D.C.
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo, 2010. GMS Research.
Dupont Circle | Washington D.C.
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo, 2010. GMS Research.
Dupont Circle | Washington D.C. `
`
`
Medians & splitter islands provide protection for pedestrians Retail fronts the traffic circle, adding vitality to the intersection Benches and greenery add usable, vibrant public space to the center island
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Images Source: Megan Kanagy, DDOT
Dupont Circle | Washington D.C. `
`
`
Medians & splitter islands provide protection for pedestrians Retail fronts the traffic circle, adding vitality to the intersection Benches and greenery add usable, vibrant public space to the center island
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Images Source: Megan Kanagy, DDOT
Image Source: Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation (WCTC) 2002.
Old Street Roundabout | London, UK Summary Statistics ADT
n/a
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
2.8
Number of circulating travel lanes
4 to 5
Number of entering legs
4 Image Source: Google Earth
Old Street Roundabout | London, UK `
`
Green painted bicycle boxes and signaled intersections help bicycles move through the roundabout The use of splitter islands shorten pedestrian crossing distances and improve visibility
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Image Source: Google Maps Street View
Precedent comparison: Chinese traffic circles and roundabouts There are some existing roundabouts and traffic circles in China that work well. Country
China
City
Xian
Shanghai
Dalian
Name
Xian Bell Tower
Wujiao Square
Zhongshan Square
Traffic Circle or Roundabout
Roundabout
Traffic Circle
Hybrid
Number of circulating travel lanes
6
5
4
Number of entering legs
4
5
10
Bell Tower Roundabout | Xi’an, China Summary Statistics ADT
n/a
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
n/a
Number of circulating travel lanes
6
Number of entering legs
4 Image ImageSource: Source:Google GoogleEarth Earth
Bell Tower Roundabout | Xi’an, China ` ` ` `
Marked bicycle crossings Wide exclusive bicycle space on the outer ring of the circle that guides bicyclists to the signalized crossings Large outer sidewalk space with plantings Underground pedestrian tunnels (no surface crossing allowed)
Image Source: Peter Cuffe, Flickr
Image Source: Peter Cuffe, Flickr
Xi’an Bell Tower| Shaanxi, China `
`
` `
Pedestrian circulation is below ground level Two levels of traffic: one above ground and one ground level Architecture by… Located in popular commercial shopping area
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons
Wu Jiao Chang | Shanghai, China Summary Statistics ADT
n/a
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
n/a
Number of circulating travel lanes
5
Number of entering legs
5 Image Source: Google Earth
Wu Jiao Chang | Shanghai, China ` `
`
`
Pedestrian circulation is below ground level Two levels of traffic: one above ground and one ground level Distinctive glass and metal art piece designed by Zhong Song surrounds the highway Located in popular commercial shopping area
Image Source: Mi Mo Ma http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/China/Shanghai/Wu%20Jiao%20Chang
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons
Wujiao Square | Shanghai, China
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons
Zhongshan Square | Dalian, China Summary Statistics ADT
n/a
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian & Bicycle crashes per year
n/a
Number of circulating travel lanes
4
Number of entering legs
10 Image Source: Google Earth
Zhongshan Square | Dalian, China `
`
`
2 surface and 2 below-grade pedestrian crossing options Large center island public space is an active place for festivals Historic buildings front the roundabout
Image Source: Google Panaramio
Image Source: Google Panaramio, Wanglvdong
Image Source: Google Panaramio, Mississippu
Image Source: Google Panoramio, Tohru1230
Findings `
` `
`
`
If the center island will be used as a public space, then the traffic circle must be signalized to allow safe pedestrian crossing or there must be underground crossings Consolidating pedestrian crossings to a few, highly-visible locations can improve safety and reduce jaywalking Articulating building facades on adjacent land uses and orienting buildings to face the traffic circle create better pedestrian experiences and enhance vitality Public art, particularly monumental art and landscaping in the center island can enhance and define the ‘sense of place’ There are various opportunities to introduce bicycleoriented treatments to traffic circles
Solutions: Undergrounding roads Undergrounding major roads can be a significant improvement for surface conditions; however, creating a fluid and safe transition area is a difficult design problem.
Precedent comparison : Undergrounding Roads Country
USA
Germany
City
Boston1
Seattle2
Munich4
Name
Big Dig
Central Seattle Viaduct Replacement
Petuel Ring Tunnel
Built/Planned
Built, 1982-2006
Planned
Built, 2002-2004
Interstate 93
SR-99
Mittlerer Ring
Cost
14.6 billion US
1.96 billion US
280 million US
Tunnel Type
Cut-and-cover/ Immersed Tube
Deep bored tunnel
Cut and cover
Length of Tunnel
5 miles
2 miles
1.5 miles 790’ glass section
Total Project Length
8 miles
3 miles
1.5 miles
8-10
4
4
154,000
100,000
120,000
Arterial Name
# of lanes ADT
1 Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). 2010. 2 Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) September 2010 3 Ville de Nanterre. http://www.nanterre.fr/Developpements/Amenagement/Tunnel+de+La+D%C3%A9fense/ 4 Landeshauptstadt MĂźnchen 2006.
Central Artery Project | Boston, MA Summary Statistics Built/Planned Arterial Name
Built, 1982-2006 Interstate 93
Cost
14.6 billion US
Tunnel Type
Cut-and-cover/ Immersed Tube
Length of Tunnel
5 miles
Total Project Length
8 miles
# of lanes ADT
8-10 154,000
Central Artery Project | Boston, MA `
`
`
3 consolidated ramps were used downtown to reduce the amount of surface-level interaction The downtown ramps are well integrated with the park system and have short distance, well marked, pedestrian crossings Boston’s carbon monoxide levels dropped 12 % citywide as traffic is kept moving, even though # of lanes increased
Image Source: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
Image Source: Bob Masys
Central Artery Project | Boston, MA Before
After
Image Source: Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy
Before
Image Source: Spacing Toronto
After
Central Artery Project | Boston, MA `
`
3 consolidated ramps were used downtown to reduce the amount of surface-level interaction The downtown ramps are well integrated with the park system and have short distance, well marked, pedestrian crossings
Image Source: Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
Image Source: Bob Masys
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons
Image Source: Mackay Photography
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement | Seattle, WA Summary Statistics Built/Planned Arterial Name Cost Tunnel Type
Planned SR-99 1.96 billion US Deep bored tunnel
Length of Tunnel
2 miles
Total Project Length
3 miles
# of lanes ADT
4 100,000
Image Source: WSDOT
Image Source: Google Earth
Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement | Seattle, WA `
`
SR 99 will be underground for the entire length of downtown, consolidating portals to two outer areas Drivers have the choice of a 4-lane surface street or to pass through downtown in the tunnel
Image Source: WSDOT
Image Source: WSDOT
Image Source: WSDOT 2010
Petuel Tunnel | Munich, Germany Summary Statistics Built/Planned
Before
Built, 2002-2004
Arterial Name
Mittlerer Ring
Cost
280 million US Image Source: Google Earth, 2001
Tunnel Type Length of Tunnel Total Project Length # of lanes ADT
Cut and cover
After
1.5 miles 790’ glass section 1.5 miles 4 120,000
Image Source: Google Earth, 2006
Petuel Tunnel | Munich, Germany ` ` ` `
1.5 km cut and cover tunnel Creation of 20 acre (7.5 hectare) Petuel Park above Park contains both trees and international art Park connected neighborhoods that had been separated by the highway
Image Source: Hubert Rettenmeier 2004 & Structurae
Image Source: Hubert Rettenmeier 2004 & Structurae
Petuel Tunnel | Munich, Germany
Images source: www.petuelpark.de
Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons, OrphanJones
Solutions: Pedestrian overpasses In situations where multi-lane road crossings are too dangerous for pedestrians, well-designed overpasses can offer a safe solution.
Precedent comparison : Pedestrian Overpasses Country
USA
China
City
Berkeley1
Portland2
Chicago3
San Diego4
Beijing
Name
I-80 Pedestrian Bridge
Gibbs Street Pedestrian Bridge
BP Bridge
SDSU Pedestrian Bridge
Green Bridge, Olympic Park
Built/Planned
Built, 2002
Planned
Built, 2004
Built, 2003
Built, 2008
6.4 million US
9.5 million US
12-14 million US
-
-
Arch Bridge
Extradosed Bridge
Concealed Box Girder
Suspension Bridge
V-Shaped Continuous Steel Truss
15’
21’
20’
20’
200’, path
Total Length
705’
660’
925’
490’
515’
Main Span
295’
200’
-
230’
131’
Vertical Clearance
18’
30’
14’6”
-
-
I-80
I-5
South Columbus Drive
College Avenue
North 5th Ring Road
12
12
6
4
10
271, 000
173,900*
30,001
34,128
-
Cost Crossing Type Width
Road # of lanes ADT
1 OPAC Consulting Engineers 2010 & California Department of Transportation 2010. 2 City of Portland. 2010a, 2010b, 3 City of Chicago 2010 & Millenium Park 2010. 4 San Diego State University 2010. and Google Earth 2010. * Combines Oswego Highway No.3 (SW Macadam 23,300 ADT and SW Hood 12,900 ADT) volumes with Pacific Highway No.1 (137,700 ADT) for total volume
I-80 Bike/Ped Overpass | Berkeley, CA Summary Statistics Built/Planned Cost Crossing Type
Built, 2002 6.4 million US Arch Bridge
Width
15’
Total Length
705’
Main Span
295’
Vertical Clearance
18’
Road
I-80
# of lanes
12
ADT
271, 000 Image Source: Google Earth
I-80 Bike/Ped Overpass | Berkeley, CA ` `
`
`
Unique color and shape contribute to a sense of place A long, winding ramp system helps bicyclists and pedestrians manage the vertical deflection Multi-use functionality; separate lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians Bi-directional bike lane for cyclists decreases chance of collision or accident
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo 2010
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo 2010
I-80 Bike/Ped Overpass | Berkeley, CA
Note: Measurements are in meters. Image Source: OPAC Consulting Engineers 2010.
I-80 Bike/Ped Overpass | Berkeley, CA ` `
Unique color and shape contribute to a sense of place A long, winding ramp system helps bicyclists and pedestrians manage the vertical deflection Image Source: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMDTZ
Image Source: Nicola Szibbo 2010
Gibbs Pedestrian Bridge | Portland, OR Summary Statistics Built/Planned Cost Crossing Type
Planned 9.5 million US Extradosed Bridge
Width
21’
Total Length
660’
Main Span
200’
Vertical Clearance
30’
Road
I-5
# of lanes
12
ADT
173,900*
Image Source: Google Earth
Gibbs Pedestrian Bridge | Portland, OR ` ` ` `
Unique, large-scale design will be a regional focal point Elevators provide easy access for mobility-impaired users Bridge connects to transit for improved accessibility Bridge is very wide – can accommodate large mixed-use volumes
Image Source: City of Portland, 2010
Image Source: City of Portland, 2010
Image Source: City of Portland 2010.
BP Bridge | Chicago, IL Summary Statistics Built/Planned
Built, 2004
Cost
12-14 million US
Crossing Type
Concealed Box Girder
Width
20’
Total Length
925’
Main Span
-
Vertical Clearance
14’6”
Road # of lanes ADT
South Columbus Drive 6 30,001
Image Source: Google Earth
BP Bridge | Chicago, IL
Image Source: Flickr
`
`
The long, winding bridge design allows for very subtle grade changes, making it easy for everyone to walk or bike Iconic serpentine design contributes to ‘sense of place’
Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bp_bridge.JPG
Image Source: SOM Peter Barerras Photography
SDSU Pedestrian Bridge | San Diego, CA Summary Statistics Built/Planned Cost Crossing Type
Built, 2003 Suspension Bridge
Width
20’
Total Length
490’
Main Span
230’
Vertical Clearance
-
Road # of lanes ADT
College Avenue 4 34,128
Image Source: Google Earth
SDSU Pedestrian Bridge | San Diego, CA `
`
` `
Pedestrian bridge allows SDSU students to access campus over large arterial Lighting on bridge helps pedestrians & cyclists feel safe at night Aesthetic design is pleasing and attractive Bridge provides access to high density residential
Image Source: SDSU
Image Source: SDSU
Image Source: Flickr
Tianchen Eco-Bridge | Beijing, China Summary Statistics Built/Planned Cost Crossing Type
Built, 2008 V-shaped continuous steel truss
Width
20’
Total Length
490’
Main Span
230’
Vertical Clearance
-
Road # of lanes ADT
10 Image Source: Google Earth
Tianchen Eco-Bridge | Beijing, China ` ` ` `
1st Ecological Corridor in China Allows for wildlife in Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park to cross over the Fifth Ring Road (10 lanes of traffic) Evergreen trees, deciduous trees, small arbors, bushes, and groundcover make it attractive for walking Road for maintenance vehicles only
Image Source: Yaozy, Google Maps Panoramio
Solutions: Pedestrian Walkways In situations where there is under-utilized right-of-way space; adaptive re-use can lead to overhead park-like greenways.
Precedent comparison : Pedestrian Walkways Country
USA
France
City
New York1
Paris2
Name
High Line
Promenade Plantee
Built/Planned Cost Crossing Type
Partially Built
Built, 1998
152 million US
25 million US
Former elevated freight railroad spur
Former elevated freight railroad spur
30’-50’
30’-100’
1.4-1.5 miles (.5 mile currently built)
2.8 miles
25’
30’
Width Total Span Vertical Clearance
1 The High Line 2010. 2 Gonzalez-Campana, Javier. 2010. http://www.yale.edu/hixon/research/pdf/JGCampana_Promenade.pdf
High Line | New York, NY Summary Statistics Built/Planned
Partially Built
Cost
152 million US
Crossing Type
Former elevated freight railroad spur
Width
30’-50’
Total Span
1.4-1.5 miles (.5 mile currently built)
Vertical Clearance
25’ Image Source: The High Line 2010
Image Source: Google Earth
High Line | New York, NY ` ` ` ` `
Pedestrian open-air park cuts through buildings Focus on native plants and trees Lots of seating areas and benches Variety of themes for different parts of the High Line Access points every 2-3 blocks with elevators
Images Source: The High Line 2010
High Line | New York, NY
Image Source: The High Line 2010
Image Source: The High Line 2010
High Line | New York, NY ` `
Pedestrian open-air park cuts through buildings Focus on native plants
Image Source:
Image Source: High Line 2010
Image Source:
Promenade Plantee | Paris, France Summary Statistics Built/Planned
Built, 1998
Cost
25 million US
Crossing Type
Former elevated freight railroad spur
Width
30’-100’
Total Span
2.8 miles
Vertical Clearance
30’
Promenade Plantee | Paris, France `
` `
`
Pedestrians have a garden environment for high level walk Bicyclists have route underneath Both enclosed sections between buildings and open sections with expansive views of Paris Arcades below have been transformed into arts and crafts workshops
Image Source: Javier Gonzalez-Campana.
Image Source: The High Line 2010
Promenade Plantee | Paris ` `
Pedestrian open-air park cuts through buildings Focus on native plants
Image Source: Javier Gonzalez-Campana.
Image Source:
Image Source: The High Line 2010
Solutions: One-way Couplets One-way couplets are pairs of one-way streets that run in opposite directions; they can be very effective in city centers for moving high volumes of vehicle and non-motorized traffic.
Precedent comparison City
Boston
Portland
San Francisco
Name
Commonwealth Ave
East Burnside/ 2 Couch
Fell Street/ Oak Street
New York
Kearney St/ Montgomery St
8th Avenue/ 9th Avenue
N or E ADT
-
n/a
41, 434 (2006)
24,857 (2002)
-
S or W ADT
-
n/a
33,298 (2007)
15,231 (2007)
-
23,638
n/a
74,732
40,088
-
Vehicle Crashes per year
-
n/a
1.89/2.863
1.45/1.283
-
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
-
n/a
0.38/0.483
0.57/0.503
-
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
200 ft 72 ft
60-84 ft 36-54 ft
70 ft 50 ft
70 ft 50 ft
100 ft 70 ft
2
2-3
3-4
3-5
3
Bike Lanes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Transit
No
Yes
Yes
Yes (Kearney)
Yes
Parking Lanes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
30
25
30
25
25
Total ADT
Number of travel lanes in each direction
Speed limit 1 Width of one direction, except for Commonwealth Ave 2 Currently under construction 3 Accidents per year per intersection (averaged along corridor)
Commonwealth Ave | Boston, MA Summary Statistics N or E ADT
-
S or W ADT
-
Total ADT
23,638
Vehicle Crashes per year
-
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
-
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
200 ft 72 ft
Number of travel lanes in each direction
2
Bike Lanes
Yes
Transit
No
Parking Lanes
Yes
Speed limit
Commonwealth Avenue
30
400’ N
Commonwealth Ave | Boston, MA
Commonwealth Ave | Boston, MA `
`
`
2 lanes in each direction with parking Commonwealth Ave Mall between the two one-way streets is a welcoming green space Design speed of 25 mph
Image Source: Google street view
Image Source: Google street view
East Burnside/Couch Couplet | Portland, OR Summary Statistics Couch St N or E ADT
n/a
S or W ADT
n/a
Total ADT
n/a
Vehicle Crashes per year
n/a
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
n/a
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
Image source: Google Earth
60-84 ft 36-54 ft
Number of travel lanes in each direction
2-3
Bike Lanes
Yes
Transit
Yes
Parking Lanes
Yes
Speed limit
Burnside St
25
Image source: Burnside/Couch Transportation and Urban Design Plan – Technical refinements. June 2005
East Burnside/Couch Couplet | Portland, OR ` ` `
Completion October 2010 Conversion from two-way streets to a one-way couplet Design elements: High visibility crosswalks
Signalization of every intersection (short blocks)
9’ curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances
Wide sidewalks and planted buffers
Images source: Burnside/Couch Transportation and Urban Design Plan – Technical refinements. June 2005
East Burnside/Couch Couplet | Portland, OR
Image source: Burnside/Couch Transportation and Urban Design Plan – Technical refinements. June 2005
Fell St & Oak St | San Francisco, CA Summary Statistics N or E ADT
41, 434 (2006)
S or W ADT
33,298 (2007)
Total ADT
74,732
Vehicle Crashes per year
1.89/2.863
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
0.38/0.483
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
70 ft 50 ft
Number of travel lanes in each direction
3-4
Bike Lanes
Yes
Transit
Yes
Parking Lanes
Yes
Speed limit
30
Fell Street
Oak Street
200’ N 400’ N
Image Source: Google Earth
Fell St & Oak St | San Francisco, CA `
`
Traffic signal timing progression changes have helped to reduce speeding The couplet transitions from the Golden Gate Park panhandle to a residential area between the two streets
Image Source: Google street view
Image Source: Google street view
Kearny St & Montgomery St | San Francisco, CA Summary Statistics N or E ADT
24,857 (2002)
S or W ADT
15,231 (2007)
Vehicle Crashes per year
1.45/1.283
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
0.57/0.503
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
70 ft 50 ft
Number of travel lanes in each direction
3-5
Bike Lanes
No
Transit Parking Lanes Speed limit
Yes (Kearney)
Montgomery Street
40,088
Kearny Street
Total ADT
Yes 25
400’ N
Image Source: Google Earth
Kearny St & Montgomery St | San Francisco, CA `
`
Flexible travel and parking lanes add peak capacity while still providing parking Narrow lanes and active street frontages keep traffic moving slow
Image Source: Google street view
Image Source: Google street view
Kearny St & Montgomery St | San Francisco, CA
Image Source: Bing 3D Maps
8th Avenue & 9th Avenue | New York, NY
-
S or W ADT
-
Total ADT
-
Vehicle Crashes per year
-
Pedestrian/ Bicycle crashes per year
-
Total ROW width1 Road bed width
100 ft 70 ft
Number of travel lanes in each direction
3
Bike Lanes
Yes
Transit
Yes
Parking Lanes
Yes
Speed limit
8th Avenue
N or E ADT
9th Avenue
Summary Statistics
25
400’ N
Image Source: Google Earth
8th Avenue & 9th Avenue | New York, NY `
`
New configuration with protected bicycle lanes first introduced in 2007/2008 Configuration allows efficient movement of vehicles while providing: ` `
Image Source: NYCDOT
Protected bicycle lanes with bicycle signals Pedestrian refuge islands that reduce crossing distances from 70’ to 45’ Image Source: NYCDOT
8th Avenue & 9th Avenue | New York, NY
Images Source: NYCDOT
Works referenced Roundabouts `
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 2000. FHWA-00-068 Roundabouts: An informational guide
`
Roe, Matthew. Email to Nicola Szibbo. 14 October 2010.
`
Architectural Record. 2007. Wu Jaio Plaza. http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/lighting/archives/0708wujiao.asp
Undergrounding roads `
Landeshauptstadt München. wmtest.wpg.bz/en/pdf/4/Parks_engl.pdf
`
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). 2010.. ‘The Big Dig—Facts and Figures.’ Accessed 15 September 2010 http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/bigdig/facts_figures.aspx
`
Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). September 2010. Proposed bored tunnel - facts and figures. Accessed 15 Sept 2010 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Viaduct/tunnelfacts.htm
`
Ville de Nanterre. 2010. ‘Tunnel Defense: 4 Years of Work.’ Accessed 15 September 2010 http://www.nanterre.fr/Developpements/Amenagement/Tunnel+de+La+D%C3%A9fense/
`
PetuelPark. 2010. Munchen http://petuelpark.de
Works referenced Pedestrian overpasses `
California Department of Transportation. 2009. ‘2009 All Traffic Volumes on CSHS Routes 71-80.’ Accessed 20 September 2010. http://trafficcounts.dot.ca.gov/2009all/Route71-80i.htm
`
Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). 2010. ‘City of Chicago Traffic Information.’ Accessed 14 September 2010. http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/traffic/
`
City of Portland. 2010a. Gibbs Street Pedestrian Bridge Project Library. Accessed 13 September 2010. http://www.gibbsbridge.org/ProjectLibrary.aspx
`
City of Portland. 2010b. ‘Gibbs Street Pedestrian Bridge Option C: Box Girder.’ Accessed 13 September 2010. http://www.gibbsbridge.org/ProjectLibrary/BoxGirderOptionC.pdf
`
Millennium Park. 2010. ‘Facts and Dimensions of BP Bridge.’ Accessed 12 September 2010. http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/bp_bridge_factsheet.html
`
OPAC Consulting Engineers. 2010.‘Berkeley Pedestrian Overcrossing.’ Accessed 20 September 2010. http://www.opacengineers.com/features/BerkeleyPOC
`
Oregon Department of Transportation. 2009. ‘Traffic Volumes on State Highways. ‘ Accessed 20 September 2010. http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TDATA/tsm/docs/2009_TVT.pdf
`
Gonzalez-Campana, Javier. ‘From Promenade Plantee to the New York High Line.’ Accessed 20 September 2010. http://www.yale.edu/hixon/research/pdf/JGCampana_Promenade.pdf
`
The High Line 2010. http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/tags/promenadeplantee
`
The High Line 2010. http://www.thehighline.org/galleries/images/popular
`
Szibbo, Nicola. 2010.
`
Zhang, X.L., Lv, L.S., and A. Luka. 2006. The Bridge Design in Beijing Olympic Forest Park. Chinese Landscape Architecture 22(8): 27-33.
One-way couplets `
Russo, Ryan, et Al. Ninth Avenue Bicycle Path and Complete Street. NYCDOT.
`
NYCDOT. 2007. 9th Avenue Bicycle Facility & Complete Street Redesign – W 16th Street – W 23rd Street. Presentation to Manhattan CB4 Transportation Committee.
`
San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency. 2008. San Francisco Traffic Volumes.
`
Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS). 2000-2009 Raw Data for San Francisco.
`
City of Portland, Office of Transportation. 2005. Burnside/Couch Transportation and Urban Design Plan – Technical Refinements. Final Draft 2005.