|
|
Q. |
What
is a Complete Street? |
|
A Complete
Street is defined as
a way to provide safe
access for all users
by designing and constructing
a comprehensive, integrated,
connected multi-modal
network of transportation
options. |
Q. |
Why
a Complete Street? |
A. |
Because
of the increase in
pedestrian and bicycle
fatalities, the New
Jersey Department of
Transportation (NJDOT)
has established a policy to
provide safe and accessible
accommodations for
all users of existing
and future pedestrian,
bicycle and transit
facilities. |
Q. |
How
will Complete Streets
be implemented? |
A. |
- NJDOT
will implement
its Complete Streets
policy through
the planning, design,
construction, maintenance
and operation of
new and retrofit
transportation
facilities within
public rights of
way that are federally
or state funded,
including projects
processed or administered
through the Department's
Capital Program.
- Transportation
facilities are long-term
investments that
shall anticipate
likely future demand
for bicycling and
walking facilities
and not preclude
the provision of
future improvements.
- By providing connections
to bicycling and
walking trip generators.
- By providing safe
and accessible accommodations
for existing and
future pedestrian,
bicycle and transit
facilities.
- By ensuring improvements
comply with Title
VI/Environmental
Justice, Americans
with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and should
complement the context
of the surrounding
community.
- By addressing the
need for bicyclists
and pedestrians to
cross corridors as
well as travel among
them.
- The Department
strongly encourages
the adoption of similar
policies by regional
and local jurisdictions
that apply for funding
through Local
Aid Programs.
|
Q. |
What
are the benefits of
Complete Streets? |
A. |
- Improves safety
for pedestrians,
bicyclists, children,
older citizens, non-drivers
and the mobility
challenged as well
as those that cannot
afford a car or those
that choose to live
car free.
- Provides connections
to bicycling and
walking trip generators
such as employment,
education, residential,
recreation, retail
centers and public
facilities.
- Promotes healthy
lifestyles and economic
development.
- Creates more livable
communities.
- Reduces traffic
congestion and reliance
on carbon fuels thereby
reducing green house
gas emissions.
- Makes fiscal sense
by incorporating
sidewalks, bike lanes,
safe crossings and
transit amenities
into the initial
design of a project
sparing the expense
of later retrofits.
|
Q. |
Are
there exemptions to
the Policy? |
A. |
Exemptions to the Complete Streets
policy must be presented
for final decision
to the Capital Program
Screening Committee
in writing by the
appropriate Assistant
Commissioner and
documented with supporting
data that indicates
the reason for the
decision.
|
Q. |
What
types of projects does
Complete Streets apply
to? |
A. |
All
new and retrofit
transportation facilities
within public right
of way that are federally
funded or state funded,
including projects
processed or administered
through the Department's
Capital Progam.
|
Q. |
How
can I get more information? |
A. |
The
New Jersey Department
of Transportation
has more
information on Complete Streets
available, as well
as links to national
organizations and
publications.
|