Complete streets
“When we talk about complete streets, we mean accommodating multiple modes of transport,” said John Powell of the City of Savage and the co-chair of the Complete Streets study mandated by the 2008 session of the state legislature. As Powell explained at the CEAM conference, complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, and that includes pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and commercial and emergency vehicles, in addition to personal vehicles.
The study is under way, and a report is due back to the legislature by December 2009. The goal of the study, according to study manager Merry Daher, isn’t to devise a policy. Instead, she said, “We’re going to look at feasibility, cost, and benefits of adopting a complete street policy and give that to the state legislature.” The study will focus on issues such as safe access for all users, the feasibility of creating paved shoulders on rural roads, and maintenance costs.
The study advisory committee includes representatives from cities and counties. In addition, a technical advisory committee includes specialists from a variety of backgrounds, organizations, and locations in Minnesota.
The process will include public meetings, Powell said, and many sectors will be informed of progress and ideas along the way. To submit your ideas and suggestions or to receive e-mail updates, go to the study Web site.
— Jeanne Engelmann, LTAP freelancer