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Tools for designing streets

Planning and conservation  ›  Urban development and revitalization  ›  Tools for designing streets

Discover practical information for designing safe and healthy streets with four handbooks published by Metro.

Metro's livable streets program supports implementation of the 2040 Growth Concept by providing tools to better integrate street designs with nearby land uses. A well-planned street system can help prevent congestion while encouraging walking, transit and bicycling.

Good street design can promote community livability by emphasizing local travel needs and creating a safe, inviting space for community activity. Street design elements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaped sidewalk buffers, bikeways, on-street parking, street trees, landscaping, street lighting, bus shelters, benches and corner curb extensions provide an environment that is not only attractive, but can slow traffic and encourage walking, bicycling and use of transit.

Streets also can be designed to be "green." Features such as street trees, landscaped swales and special paving materials can be used to limit stormwater runoff. Limiting runoff helps protect stream habitat.

Tools for designing safe and healthy streets

Metro has published four handbooks that provide practical step-by-step methods for designing safe and healthy city streets. Handbooks are 11 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches tall in size, with soft covers and spiral bindings.

Single copies of the handbooks are free (including shipping) to residents of the metro region; there is a charge for multiple copies. Handbooks are for sale to residents outside the metro region.

How to order

Buy online using the links below. To place your order by phone or email call 503-797-1500 or send email to 2040@oregonmetro.gov.

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Creating livable streets: Street design guidelines for 2040
Published: June 2002
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Price: $14.95
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Green streets: Innovative solutions for stormwater and stream crossings
Published: June 2002
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Price: $14.95
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Trees for green streets: An illustrated guide
Published: June 2002
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Price: $9.95
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Wildlife crossings: Providing safe passage for urban wildlife
Published: August 2009
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Price: $14.95 
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Related Links

Making the Greatest Place

The Metro Council works with local leaders and people throughout the region to create sustainable and prosperous communities for present and future generations.

Related Internet links

• Great streets

  (http://www.greatstreets.org/)

• DLCD planning publications

  (http://www.oregon.gov/LCD/publications.shtml)