Context Sensitive Solutions in Massachusetts: “Communities First”

Stephen H. BurringtonDeputy Chief of Commonwealth DevelopmentCommonwealth of Massachusetts

Communities FirstOrigins

• Longstanding demand from communities

• Examples of context-sensitive projects dating to at least 1980s

• Footprint bridge program – model for VT

• Municipal traffic calming and other design experience

• Directive on community outreach (2002)

• Recent Footprint Roads Program

Communities First:A New Priority

• Governor Mitt Romney– Commitments

• Responsive government• No agency “silos”• Careful use of every dollar• Sustainable development

– Appointments • Doug Foy – Chief of Commonwealth Development• Dan Grabauskas – Secretary of Transportation and

Construction

Communities FirstOverview

• Statewide Road and Bridge Policy (Jan. 27, 2003)– Fix It First – Communities First

• Incorporated into daily decision-making – design and process/relationships

• Highway Design Manual revision• Ombudsman being appointed

Footprint Roads Program

• Allows for resurfacing/improvement on roads in protected or sensitive areas

• Applies to selected non-NHS roads

• Provides for bicycle and pedestrian improvements without widening

• Documentation of accident record

“Ready to go” Community Friendly Projects

• Initial list: Result of collaboration with communities, increasing flexibility in design

• Additional Projects: Based on further review of projects and pending requests for design waivers

Highway Design Manual Revision

• To incorporate principles of – Context-sensitive Design– Traffic calming– Multimodal accommodation

• Advisory committee central to process

• To be completed by late 2003

• Goal: Define the state of the art

Advisory Committee Composition

• Urban, suburban, rural municipalities

• Regional planning agencies

• Massachusetts Municipal Association

• Environmental (parks) agency

• Historic preservation, conservation interests

• Pedestrian, bicycle advocates

• FHWA

• Others

Advisory Committee Process

• Draws on expertise of municipal transportation and planning officials

• Reflects range of public interests affected by projects

• Proceeds from review of best practices• Relies on subcommittee structure• Has intensive meeting schedule• …And a skillful, committed chair

Community Friendly Projects

Community Friendly Projects

Opportunities and Challenges

• “No brainers”– Getting design speed right– Early and effective community involvement

• Some special issues– Traffic calming on higher-volume or –speed roads – Parkways– Gateways to towns and villages– Pavement for bicyclists– Measuring our performance

• Goal: The Dan Grabauskas Feat