How do you design transportation projects for multiple modes?

1 Assess the context

The first step is to understand the existing and future context of the project area, including the land use, demographics, travel patterns, environmental conditions, and stakeholder expectations. This will help you identify the opportunities and constraints for multimodal transportation, as well as the goals and objectives of the project. You can use various data sources, such as surveys, census, traffic counts, GIS, and public input, to conduct a comprehensive and inclusive analysis of the context.

2 Define the modes

The next step is to define the modes that you want to accommodate and prioritize in the project. This will depend on the context, the project type, and the desired outcomes. For example, if you are designing a street project in a dense urban area, you may want to prioritize walking, biking, and transit over driving. If you are designing a highway project in a rural area, you may want to consider the needs of freight and emergency vehicles, as well as local access. You can use various tools, such as mode share targets, level of service standards, and performance measures, to define the modes and evaluate their trade-offs.

3 Design the facilities

The third step is to design the facilities that will support the modes that you have defined. This will involve selecting the appropriate design elements, such as lane widths, curb extensions, bike lanes, sidewalks, bus lanes, signals, signs, and markings, that will enhance the safety, comfort, and efficiency of each mode. You will also need to consider how the facilities will interact and integrate with each other, as well as with the surrounding land use and environment. You can use various guidelines, such as the NACTO Urban Street Design Guide, the AASHTO Green Book, and the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, to design the facilities according to best practices and standards.

4 Implement the project

The final step is to implement the project according to the design that you have developed. This will involve securing the necessary funding, permits, approvals, and partnerships, as well as managing the construction, operation, and maintenance of the facilities. You will also need to monitor and evaluate the performance and impacts of the project on the multimodal transportation network, as well as on the users and communities. You can use various methods, such as before-and-after studies, user surveys, and feedback mechanisms, to collect and analyze data and feedback on the project.

Multimodal transportation planning is a complex and dynamic process that requires creativity, collaboration, and communication. By following these steps and considerations, you can design transportation projects that serve multiple modes and achieve multiple benefits.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?