Creating Livable Streets

Metro (the regional government agency for Portland, Oregon) contracted to prepare regional street design guidelines supporting the region's 2040 growth concept plan and transportation growth management policies that integrated transportation facilities with the adjacent land use. The study resulted in a publication titled "Creating Livable Streets: Street Design Guidelines for 2040." The handbook, distributed worldwide, contains guidelines on 26 multi-modal design elements ranging from street width to sidewalk functionality to streetscape and urban design, building frontages, and landscaping.

As part of the Regional Street Design Study, Fehr & Peers conducted a street connectivity study that resulted in Metro's ordinance specifying street spacing requirements and non-motorized connections for both infill and greenfield development. The street connectivity study was based on five case studies of actual Oregon communities, using a regional model to compare existing levels of connectivity with various low, moderate, and high connectivity patterns.

The design guidelines in the handbook focus on a broader set of design considerations that support the 2040 Growth Concept through multi-modal street function, community livability and economic growth. The guidelines serve as tools for improving existing streets, and designing new streets. All of the guidelines are consistent with RTP street design concepts, making the handbook an important tool for local governments that will implement design concepts through state and local codes.

The handbook contains design considerations and guidelines for 26 elements that compose regional street design and specific recommendations for designing balanced multi-modal streets. The guidelines can be used to assist in the preparation of street cross sections and street improvement plans, to assess whether a jurisdiction’s street design standards are consistent with Metro’s transportation policy, and as a basis for deciding what to emphasize where reduced available right of way leads to conflicts among design elements.

Implementation of the street design concepts through use of the guidelines is currently underway. Metro, working closely with local and state agencies, is developing a process through which the street design concepts can become a reality. The process will evolve over time as opportunities for street modernization occur. The guidelines and the implementation process are dynamic and may change or be refined over time and through experience, and will be monitored for effectiveness and successful applications throughout the region.