Transportation

Complete Streets

SRPEDD's Complete Streets Program is focused on helping our communities adopt the principles of Complete Streets and participate in the MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program.

What are Complete Streets?

Complete Streets are roadways that safely and comfortably accommodate all users, regardless of age and ability or mode of transportation. Users include, but are not limited to: motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, public transportation riders and providers, emergency response vehicles, freight operators, and, school buses.

Complete Streets Components

Complete Streets components can include roadway design features such as ADA compliant sidewalks and crossings, curb extensions, bicycle lanes, shared use pavement markings, bus shelters and pull-outs, wayfinding signage, landscaping, street lighting, and many other items.

“The design of a Complete Street should be context sensitive and incorporate improvements or treatments that fit the need and with the character of a community” - MassDOT Complete Streets Program Guidance

Complete Street Program Assistance Inventory

Dighton (2017)

Norton (2018)

North Attleborough (2018)

Plainville (2020)

Swansea (2021)

Middleborough (2020)

Westport (2022)

Carver (2020)

MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program

The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program was launched in February 2016 to provide technical assistance and construction funding to communities that demonstrate a commitment to include Complete Streets in policy and practice. In short, a community may be eligible for up to $400,000 in construction funding to implement Complete Streets elements in municipal projects and up to $38,000 in technical assistance funding in order to develop a plan to do so. The program is divided into three (3) “tiers” and a municipality must satisfy the requirements of the previous tier in order to advance through the program.

 

Tier 1 - Training & Policy Adoption

  • Attendance at either an "Introductory" or "Advanced" Complete Streets Training (must be a municipal official/employee)
  • Development and local adoption of a Complete Streets policy. Followed by submission to MassDOT for approval.

Tier 2 - Prioritization Plan Development

  • Determination of Complete Streets needs and development of a prioritized list of infrastructure projects.

Tier 3 - Project Construction Funding

  • Application for construction funding to implement the Complete Streets infrastructure projects on the Prioritization Plan.

Tier 1 - Complete Streets Policy

A Complete Streets Policy is a municipal document that directs all town departments to consider Complete Streets design elements in all projects and phases. In general, it includes the following sections:

Section I: Vision and Intent

Includes a vision and intention for how and why the community wants to advance Complete Streets infrastructure.

Section II: Core Commitment

Specifies that the transportation system serves ‘all users’ including pedestrians, bicyclists and transit passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles.

Applies to all projects and phases, including reconstruction, new construction, design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right-of-way.

Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high-level approval of exceptions.

Section III: Best Practice

Encourages and aims to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes.

Is clear regarding what jurisdictions the policy applies to and emphasizes the need for coordination.

Directs the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs.

Directs that Complete Streets solutions be context sensitive and complement the community.

Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes.

Section IV: Implementation

Includes specific next steps for implementation of the policy.

Tier 2 - Prioritization Plan Development Process

SRPEDD uses the following process for the development of a Prioritization Plan:

Phase I: Document Review/Data Compilation

SRPEDD staff reviews all available studies and/or data from the town or other sources to ensure that future projects aligned with the town's goals and policies.

Phase II: Existing Conditions Evaluation

SRPEDD staff performs a comprehensive existing conditions evaluation that consisted of a: 1) Network Gap Analysis (location and feasibility of closing the gap), 2) an ADA Survey (sidewalk obstructions & slopes, curb ramps), 3) a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Infrastructure Evaluation (presence & condition), and a Roadway & Intersection Crash Analysis (number & severity).

Phase III: Project Selection & Prioritization

SRPEDD staff develops a draft list of projects based on the data collected in Phase II and then scores each potential project using a comprehensive evaluation criterion (scoring system).

Phase IV: Draft & Final List of Projects

SRPEDD staff completes a Draft and Final list of projects (with cost estimates & construction schedule).

Phase V: Final Report

SRPEDD staff develops the Needs Assessment & Prioritization Plan for the Town. This report will highlight the work that went into this project and will include the town's Prioritization Plan.