Citation

Okamoto J. APWA Reporter 2001; 68(7): 18-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on a scanning tour of procedures and practices in several European countries to learn more about ways to apply the principals of context sensitive design, as encouraged in recent federal highway authorizations to balance safety and mobility needs with the community's interests. The Highway Geometric Design International Tour was jointly sponsored by the FHWA and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Generally they found that project design processes were similar to those in the U.S., though more clearly defined. More time is spent on the planning phase and entire corridors are typically considered. That allows for longer-range planning. There is also a greater emphasis on incorporating community and environmental concerns. Public involvement is more board-based and starts earlier in the process. Safety audits are used as evaluation tools and there is a greater political role in the project's development. Discussion also included various meanings of "design speeds," design flexibility, rural safety, bicyclists and pedestrians, roundabouts, which are used extensively, and traffic calming, particularly how best to accommodate non-motorized users.