Description
Enhancing street connectivity by requiring new developments to create shorter and direct walking routes which reduces travel distances and promotes walkability.
Implementation Details
- Require new developments in growth areas to provide short block lengths, 4-way intersections, and mid-block crossings that prioritize direct walking and biking access.
- Conduct a regional connectivity audit to identify street gaps, cul-de-sacs, and physical barriers to active travel near schools, parks, and transit stops.
- Integrate new local streets or pathways into subdivision regulations and General Plan Mobility Elements to support fine-grain connectivity.
Mitigation Potential
Improving street connectivity characterized by short blocks, frequent intersections, and multiple route choices allows for shorter more direct trips. Improved connectivity enhances the effectiveness of bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-17. Improve Street Connectivity, pg. 130-132 and CALTRANS SB743 Program Mitigation Playbook, Local road networks/connectivity, pg. 28-30 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
This measure enhances walkability and access to destinations for residents without cars, especially in underserved neighborhoods with disconnected street grids. Improved connectivity can reduce travel distances and improve access to jobs, schools, and essential services. Prioritize infrastructure improvements in disadvantaged communities to close gaps in mobility access.
Funding Sources
Likely requires significant initial funding to construct, plus continued funding for maintenance and operations. To the degree that new developments increase the need for transportation facilities and access, these improvements can be funded by new development. However, it is important to establish nexus and proportionality with impact fees. Other funding sources include the Surface Transportation Block Grant and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Programs (Southern California Association of Governments), the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (United States Department of Transportation), the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program (Federal Highway Administration), Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants (United States Department of Transportation), Sustainable Communities Grants (Caltrans), the Regional Active Transportation Program – Riverside Region (Southern California Association of Governments), and the Statewide Active Transportation Program (California Transportation Commission).
Examples/Case Studies
Caltrans Complete Streets Implementation Guide
Describes TSP, curb extensions, and peak-hour transit lanes for improving person throughput on congested corridors
OCCOG Complete Streets Initiative Design Handbook
The Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) has developed the Complete Streets Initiative Design Handbook and Funding Toolkit to assist local jurisdictions in complying with statewide legislation concerning complete streets. This handbook is the culmination of a year-long effort and aims to help jurisdictions within Orange County align their General Plan circulation element updates with the 2008 State legislation, which mandates the inclusion of complete streets.