The Role of Well-Designed Transportation Projects Enhancing Communities: A Study Synthesis

Project summary:

The objective of this project was to synthesize and summarize quantitative and qualitative measures and best practices relative to the incorporation of design in the planning and implementation of beneficial transportation projects. Four other research projects under the rubric of "The Role of Well-Design Transportation Projects Enhancing Communities" focused on analyzing case studies of transportation projects that have brought about community enhancements through good design in four specific areas: 1) economic development; 2) public health, safety, and the environment; 3) aesthetic impacts; and 4) citizen participation. This project matched key synergies of community design and planning processes to desired outcomes, highlighting critical similarities and differences across communities and quantifying the impacts of enhancements wherever possible. The final report summary of the project outlines the findings that set new standards of integrative design excellence as they also suggest design principles that both broaden and focus design practices in community transportation projects.