This section provides an overview of CSS. What it is and how it can help to shape transportation projects around the country. Feel free to browse through the topics below or search for a particular page by entering a keyword in the search box below or clicking on "Advanced Search."
As an approach to transportation, CSS has spread rapidly since 1998. In large
part this is because CSS practitioners and advocates understand and embrace its many important benefits:
CSS solves the right problem by broadening the definition of "the
problem" that a project should solve, and by reaching consensus with
all stakeholders before the design process begins.
CSS conserves environmental and community resources. CSS facilitates
and streamlines the process of NEPA compliance.
CSS saves time. It shortens the project development process by gaining
consensus early, and thereby minimizing litigation and redesign, and expediting
permit approvals.
CSS saves money. By shortening the project development process and
eliminating obstacles, money as well as time is saved.
CSS builds support from the public and from the regulators. By partnering
and planning a project with the transportation agency, these parties bring
full cooperation, and often additional resources as well.
CSS helps prioritize and allocate scarce transportation funds in
a cost-effective way, at a time when needs far exceed resources.
Group decisions are generally better than individual decisions.
Research supports the conclusion that decisions are more accepted and mutually
satisfactory when made by all who must live with them.
CSS is the right thing to do. It serves the public interest, helps
build communities and leaves a better place behind.
The Business Case for CSD/CSS Agencies that have institutionalized CSD/CSS confirm that real, measurable benefits accrue to the agency and ultimately the taxpayers and constituents of their states.
more...
from
NCHRP Report 480: A Guide to Best Practices for Achieving Context Sensitive Solutions
Traffic Calming Benefits, Costs and Equity Impacts
"This paper describes a framework for evaluating traffic calming programs. Potential benefits include road safety, increased comfort and mobility for non-motorized travel, reduced environmental impacts, increased neighborhood interaction, and increased property values. Traffic calming can help create more livable communities and reduce suburban sprawl. Traffic calming costs can include project expenses, liability claims, vehicle delay, traffic spillover, problems for emergency and service vehicles, driver frustration, and problems for bicyclists and visually impaired pedestrians."
-- T. A. Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute
"As engineers, we can spend $150 million on a project and maybe 50 people will show up at the ribbon cutting. But we can do an enhancements project that improves Main Street and you'll have the whole town turn out."
"...the best of all roads are those which foster movement towards a desirable social goal."
--
John Brinkerhoff Jackson
"The hallmarks of a successful CSS project are that:
It met the transportation need;
It is considered by those who use it an asset to their community;
The improvement fits in with the built and natural environment"
