Access and Circulation Planning and Design
This area of study includes site circulation elements, traffic control assessments, and site plan / access evaluation. The objective is to provide the most efficient site access possible to serve the development and maximize the on-site circulation efficiency, while minimizing the effects on the abutting roadways. Sight distance consideration, driveway operation including entry and exit maneuvers, driveway throat length and design geometrics are reviewed iteratively to find a balanced solution, while protecting the traveling efficiency and safety of the abutting roadway users. It is important that internal site circulation within parking areas is fully analyzed to ensure safe and efficient movement of vehicles, but also to ensure that pedestrians can safely navigate the environment (after all, every auto trip begins and ends with a walk). Large truck accessibility is an important part of this exercise (for goods movement, maintenance, garbage pick-up, snow removal, and for larger developments transit service connectivity). These services also apply to schools including, but not limited to, sidewalk improvements, pedestrian and bicycle crosswalks, traffic control devices as well as traffic diversion measures, and most critically review and design of “pick-up” and “drop-off” zones (both on-street or on-site).
