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NACTO Designing Cities Conference 2015 Austin Residential Shared Streets Pilot Program
NACTO Designing Cities Conference 2015
Austin Residential
Shared Streets Pilot
Program
Hans Monderman
“a public space where movement is subject to
social protocol and informal regulation, not
traffic rules."
Shared Streets defined
"Introducing ambiguity is central to shared space," explains Hamilton-Baillie. "If people feel unsafe that's good because they will then be cautious as they interact with traffic".
BEFORE
AFTER
Shared Streets in Austin
Sidewalks in Austin
Existing Sidewalk
2,360miles
Absent Sidewalk
2,270miles
Absent Sidewalk Prioritization
Scoring Categories
• Pedestrian
Attractors
• Pedestrian Safety
Innovative Project Delivery
New Sidewalks 2006 -2015
New Sidewalk 120+ miles
Ramp Repairs 3,500+
Expenditures $71MNOTE: Figures do not include repairs performed by Street & Bridge crews
or work included in Street Reconstruction projects.
South (South) Congress
Sidewalk Master Plan Update (draft)
Develop Shared
Space Pilot
Program for
neighborhoods
with the following
characteristics:
• Primarily Residential
• Low speed and
volume of cars
• No sidewalks
• On-street parking
Successful Shared Space Principles
Establish Gateways
Design for Slow Speeds
Consider the Context
Involve Stakeholders
Work with Existing Guidance
Evaluate Effectiveness
1
2
3
4
5
6
Shared Space Scenario Analysis
University of
Texas Civil
Engineering
senior project
• Pedestrian
Advisory Council
Presentation
Nov 2nd
Analysis Area
• 8 blocks of
very high
priority absent
sidewalks
• Topographic
and ROW
constraint
• Estimated cost
for complete
sidewalks
$1.1M - $ 1.4 M
East 8th Street: constrained ROW
Mill Street: constrained ROW
Typical Block
Shared Space Concept
Challenges
• Texas Transportation Code municipality can not set speed limit below 25 mph1
• Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
• Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Maintenance
• Community Support
1: Exceptions available for school zones, alleys and small municipalities
Opportunities
• Engage with key stakeholders to address technical issues early in pilot process
• Tactical Urbanism – building on successful City Programs
• New 10 -1 City Council provides increased neighborhood engagement opportunities
Build on Successes
Questions
City of AustinPublic Works DepartmentSidewalks and Special Projects DivisionJohn [email protected]
http://austintexas.gov/department/pedestrian-program
