If the problem is defined as the need to move traffic quickly through a community, it will lead to one set of design solutions. If the problem is defined as the need to preserve livability in the face of growing traffic, it will lead to another set of design solutions. The innovative designs proposed by engineers during the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Context-Sensitive Design Training Course show that different problem definitions can lead to very different design solutions.

It has been said that 95% of problem solving is properly defining the problem.

If the problem is defined as the need to move traffic quickly through a community, it will lead to one set of design solutions. If the problem is defined as the need to preserve livability in the face of growing traffic, it will lead to another set of design solutions. The innovative designs proposed by engineers during the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Context-Sensitive Design Training Course show that different problem definitions can lead to very different design solutions.

The Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute (TPI) study team is proposing a series of policy and practice changes that would add flexibility and context sensitivity to DOT's design process for main streets. The proposals span the highway design process, from planning to final design, for it is at many points along the project pipeline that roadway design can be influenced. Modest changes in geometric standards are also proposed for main streets to add flexibility and context sensitivity.

Recommendation highlights include:

Development of traffic calming guidelines to take context-sensitive main street design to the next level.

Further Reading:

Flexible Design of New Jersey's Main Streets