RECLAIMING URBAN SPACE: A Study of Arterial Street Redesigns
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Date
2015-03
Authors
Reid, Daniel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Arterial streets, because of their commonly accepted function of
optimizing safe and efficient traffic flow, tend to be automobiledominated
by definition. However, their role as primary linkages among
neighborhoods and regions suggests that they can serve a broader
function in the internal cohesion of cities. Indeed, many communities
are now searching for ways in which arterial streets can provide walkable,
inviting, human-scale urban space while also supporting appropriate
traffic movement.
Because municipal capital-project budgets tend to be severely
constrained, redesign measures must also be cost-effective and produce
clear results in the public perception of the affected streets. The purpose
of this project is to study how the design of the street cross-section can
advance these goals. Specifically, what cross-sectional design strategies
most effectively create good urban space in arterial corridors?
The effort to answer this question focuses on five arterial streets that
underwent recent cross-sectional design changes aimed at improving
conditions for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders,
drivers, business owners, and residents. The costs and benefits of each
redesign are analyzed in terms of both economics and urban design, using
before-and-after Google Street View images and GIS data.
Description
107 pages
Keywords
Redesign, Urban design, Cost benefit analysis, Arterial streets, Walkable neighborhoods