Livability in Transportation Guidebook: Planning Approaches that Promote Livability

Abstract

The Guidebook's primary purpose is to illustrate how livability principles have been incorporated into transportation planning, programming, and project design, using examples from State, regional, and local sponsors. It is intended to be useful to a diverse audience of transportation agency staff, partners, decisionmakers, and the general public, and is applicable in urban, suburban, and rural areas. While several of the example projects address capacity and operational issues on major roadways, the Guidebook primarily explores how transportation planning and programs can improve community quality of life, enhance environmental performance, increase transportation and housing choice while lowering costs, and support economic vitality. Many of the case studies resolve capacity and operational issues through a multimodal network and systems approach, reflecting better integration of land use with transportation. The Guidebook includes the executive summary, introduction, six “planning approach” chapters, and a conclusion. A separate appendix provides details about each of the case studies. Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the 15 primary case studies, organized by project types, to help readers quickly identify cases that are most applicable to their interests. Chapters 2 to 7 discuss common challenges experienced in transportation planning and implementation, and approaches used to overcome barriers. Each chapter represents a phase of the transportation planning and project development process. The conclusion provides ideas and practical strategies for next steps in implementing livability in transportation planning and projects.