NJDOT has recently adopted a complete streets policy. Please reference the following fact sheet for the key elements of the policy.
BACKGROUND: Due to an 18% YTD increase in pedestrian fatalities over last year, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has institutionalized a “Complete Streets” Policy. This policy will be implemented through the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of new and retrofit transportation facilities within public rights of way that are federally or state funded, including projects processed or administered by the Department’s Capital Program. This new policy supersedes the 1989 Bicycle & Pedestrian Policy and will ensure that all users are accommodated on our state highway system. Complete Streets are designed, operated and maintained to enable safe access for all users, promote healthier lifestyles, create more livable neighborhoods, and reduce traffic congestion and reliance on carbon fuels thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Motorists, as well as pedestrians and transit riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely and comfortably move along and across a roadway.
How will Complete Streets be implemented at NJDOT? Transportation facilities are long-term investments that shall anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking facilities and not preclude the provision of future improvements.
The NJDOT will:
- Create a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network by providing connections to bicycling and walking trip generators.
- Provide safe and accessible accommodations for existing and future pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities.
- Design bicycle & pedestrian facilities to the best currently available standards and practices.
- Establish an incentive within the Local Aid Program for municipalities and counties to develop and implement a Complete Streets policy.
- Ensure that improvements comply with Title VI/Environmental Justice, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and should complement the context of the surrounding community.
- Will address the need for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross corridors as well as travel along them.
- Establish a procedure to evaluate resurfacing projects for complete streets inclusion according to the length of project, local support, environmental constraints, and right-of-way limitations, funding resources and bicycle and/or pedestrian compatibility.
- In rural areas, paved shoulders or a multi-use path shall be included in all new construction and reconstruction projects on roadways used by more than 1,000 vehicles per day. (from FHWA's Design Guidance Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Recommended Approach)
- Research, develop and support new technologies in improving safety and mobility.
- Make provisions for pedestrians and bicyclists when closing roads, bridges and sidewalks during construction projects.
- Improvements will also consider connections for Safe Routes to School, Safe Routes to Transit, Transit Villages, trail crossings and areas or population groups with limited transportation options.
- Implement training for Engineers and Planners on Bicycle/Pedestrian/Transit policies and integration of non-motorized travel options into the transportation systems.
- Establish Performance Measures to gauge success.
For more information about Complete Streets, please see the Complete Streets Presentation by the NJ DOT as presented at the New Jersey Bicycle Summit by the RBA Group (please give it a fw seconds to load)