3 Roadway Element
Collector Streets Element Expanding Fuquay-Varina’s transportation system with an increased number of collector streets will enhance travel between local streets and arterials. The primary purpose of a collector street is to collect traffic from neighborhood and local level streets and distribute it to minor and major thoroughfares. Responsibility for building a collector street system relies on developers for funding, design, and construction and the Town to help construct critical gaps. A properly implemented plan can improve accessibility to activity centers and minimize harmful impacts to sensitive areas. Both local and through- traffic can and will benefit from the reduced reliance on minor and major thoroughfares. Identification of Future Collector Streets The following guidelines were used to develop the Fuquay-Varina collector street network: • Minimize impact to the built environment • Avoid FEMA designated floodplains • Minimize wetland impacts • Minimize the frequency and length of stream crossings • Minimize at-grade rail crossings • Be responsive to existing and planned development patterns • Maximize usage of existing stub streets • Consider the Land Use Plan goals for area of development Future Collector Street Network A future collector street network was developed using the guidelines discussed in this chapter. Key goals of this network included improving accessibility to higher intensity residential areas and identified activity centers, while avoiding or minimizing impacts to sensitive areas for
Potential Intersection Improvements There are innumerable strategies that can be leveraged to improve intersection safety and operations. The list below has been adapted from FHWA’s Intersection Safety Strategies, Second Edition and includes strategies within seven (7) overarching categories.
Street connectivity refers to a grid-like network of streets that provides many routing options to get from one place to another. The image below shows two (2) examples of street networks with varying degrees of connectivity. The one on the left, typical of many newer residential developments, has fewer four-way intersections as well as larger and less-defined blocks. The trip to go from A to B is much longer (in time and distance) than the connected network on the right.
Traffic Control and Operational Improvements • Replace permissive left turns with protected left turns • Optimize signal timing • Restrict or eliminate certain turning movements • Employ signal coordination • Install pedestrian signal improvements
Geometric Improvements
Sight Distance
• Provide or improve turn lanes and channelization • Leverage innovative intersection geometry • Install roundabouts • Implement median closures • Provide right turn lanes at intersections • Reduce or extend curb radius
Access Management Near Intersections • Modify driveway access • Implement median closures • Install medians and pedestrian crossing islands • Clear sight triangles • Increase positive turn lane offset • Change horizontal and/or vertical alignment • Eliminate parking near intersections • Provide pedestrian refuge in medians and via curb extensions
Driver Awareness
Driver Compliance
Why do we include collector streets? • Offers options to avoid congested intersections
• Improve visibility on approaches • Improve visibility of signals and signs • Install signal backplates • Install intersection warning devices • Install supplemental signals or advanced warning signs
• Provide targeted enforcement • Provide public education and outreach
• Reduces reliance on major routes • Integrates bicyclists and pedestrians • Improves emergency response time How is the collector street network implemented? • Incrementally as development occurs
While not a comprehensive list, the following are innovative intersection alternatives that may explored when screening alternatives. • Bowtie: left-turn movements are completed at an adjacent roundabout • Center Turn Overpass/Echelon: grade-separation of select movements with elevated structures • Continuous Green-T: left turns from side street utilize channelized receiving lane on the major street to merge • Displaced Left Turn: left turns cross to other side of opposing through- traffic before the main intersection • Median U-Turn: left-turns from one or both roads make U-turns at median openings • Quadrant Roadway: one main intersection and two (2) secondary intersections linked by a connector road • Reduced Conflict Intersection: side street movements must begin with a right turn • Roundabout/Mini-Roundabout: circular intersection where traffic moves counterclockwise • Single Loop: all left-turn movements or all right-turn movements are rerouted onto connector road • Split Intersection: divides traffic onto two (2) one-way streets that connect at separate intersections • Thru-Cut: prohibits side street through movements
the preservation of the natural environment. In addition to the collector street network, the following will provide Town staff with the ability to encourage connectivity as future development occurs. Ultimately, the future collector street network will provide a greater level of connectivity and mobility for residents by reducing the travel time between local streets and arterial streets. General Policy Items The future collector street network is shown on the Recommended Cross Sections Map. Depending on potential phasing of and adjustments to actual development growth patterns, additional collector roads may need to be identified in the future.
Other Infrastructure Treatments
• Improve drainage • Provide high friction surface treatment • Relocate signal infrastructure out of the clear zone • Enhance striping such as turn path markings, stop bar locations, and high visibility crosswalks
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Town of Fuquay-Varina
2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan
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