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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.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Metro transportation planning
503-797-1750
trans@oregonmetro.gov

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.

Planning for bikes

A network of bicycle routes is one way Metro plans to provide a balanced range of transportation choices.

Planning for pedestrians

Regional pedestrian planning focuses on making walking safe, convenient and accessible to all, particularly in downtown areas and along major transit corridors.

Related Internet links

• Great streets

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

• DLCD planning publications

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