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Intersections and Street Types The design of an intersection should reflect the surrounding land-use context and the Street Types that traverse it. Key elements of an intersection such as lane and curb alignment, crosswalk location, and bicycle accommodations vary in their design and configuration depending on the function of the street and its role in the surrounding neighborhood. For example, Dorchester Avenue, a Neighborhood Main Street in most sections, has been improved with new plazas and wider sidewalks at main intersections such as Peabody Square and Andrews Square to support retail and restaurants. Street Types that continue through an intersection should sustain the character and needs of that Street Type. Urban design elements and considerations for specific Street Types, such as Downtown Commercial, Downtown Mixed-Use, and Neighborhood Main Streets, should take precedence over design features for Neighborhood Connector, Residential, and Industrial Street Types. Intersections that transition from one Street Type to another should alert all users of the change in the character of the roadway through obvious and intuitive design features.
Intersections with Parkways and Boulevards
Intersections with Neighborhood Residential Streets
Intersections between Neighborhood Main Street and Neighborhood Connector
These Street Types are characterized by longer block lengths and consistent design elements along the length of the corridor, and require special consideration at intersections. Where Parkways and Boulevards cross other Street Types, it is important for the character of the former to be maintained. For example, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall runs down the center of one of the Boston’s most well-known Boulevards. Although Commonwealth Avenue intersects many Neighborhood Residential Streets, the character of the Boulevard is maintained throughout the length of the corridor and at crossings.
When other Streets Types intersect Neighborhood Residential Streets, the design of the intersection should reflect the change in use of the street. Users should recognize a change in the roadway taking place towards a slower speed environment. Treatments such as raised crossings and curb extensions can help facilitate slower speeds, and visually demarcate the change in Street Type.
As Neighborhood Connectors approach Neighborhood Main Streets, an increase in pedestrian and bicycle activity should be expected, and must be considered in designs. Gateway treatments, traffic calming measures, and the creation of inviting spaces for people should characterize intersections between Neighborhood Connectors and Neighborhood Main Streets.
IV. INTERSECTIONS
IV. INTERSECTIONS
The following Street Types involve important types of transitions and design considerations.
Boylston St. & Berkeley St.
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BOSTON COMPLETE STREETS GUIDELINES
DRAFT - DECEMBER 2011
BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Tremont St. & Clarendon St.
BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Belgrade Ave. & Robert St.
DRAFT - DECEMBER 2011
BOSTON COMPLETE STREETS GUIDELINES
161