This paper describes tools and approaches for planning and implementing sustainable transportation networks. Sustainable networks are discussed in two tiers, representing different scales of planning. The first tier relates to policy and macro-scale planning of transportation systems on the level of cities or entire regions. At this level, linking funding to performance targets related to greenhouse gas emissions targets supports the development of more sustainable land use and transportation plans that reduce automobile travel. Many plans incorporate a layered approach that considers all travel modes. Network planning is evolving toward a focus on the provision of traveler choice in modes, routes and destinations. The second tier of network planning is more focused on local-scale decisions that determine the design of individual roads and intersections. This tier uses tools such as mixed-use trip generation and multimodal performance measures to evaluate development projects and determine impacts and mitigation measures. Combining these policy-level and project-level tools and approaches can help planners develop transportation networks that support and encourage sustainable development patterns.
Abstract