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