Context Sensitive Design for Roadways in Savannah and Chatham County

In recent years, local citizens' concerns about the impact of road construction or widening on existing canopy trees and landscaping led the MPO to adopt a resolution for a Transportation Amenities Plan. MPO staff were directed to develop a formal policy of canopy tree preservation and restoration and pedestrian amenities.

In Phase One of implementation, citizens worked with MPO transportation staff and consultants to identify canopy roadways, palm-lined causeways, historic road segments, and scenic vistas that should be preserved. The MPO then incorporated these corridors into the Congestion Management System and the Long Range Transportation Plan as "constrained corridors," thereby enacting the policy of preservation.

In Phase Two, a Context Sensitive Design Manual was developed to guide future road construction. The Manual was adopted by CUTS/MPO in December 2006. Context Sensitive Design for roadways is the concept of using physical design characteristics to encourage the types of road use and driver behaviors that are appropriate for the area through which the road or segment passes. The design manual describes and illustrates appropriate designs for future roads and selected gateways. It will also guide the enhancement of recently completed roadways.

To kick off the development of the manual, the MPC and consultants Walter Kulash, Ian Lockwood, Paul Moore and Avanish Pendharkar, from the firm of Glatting Jackson, conducted a three-day workshop at the MPC in July 2006 to educate local stakeholders and to solicit input.

The second workshop was conducted on November 13, 2006 to get feedback on the draft Context Sensitive Design Manual.

The consultant also gave a presentation at the December 14, 2006 MPO meeting to recapitulate the CSD process and solicit inputs on the draft manual.

July 25-27, 2006 - Workshop Summary

Workshop Presentations
• Redefining Context - Ian Lockwood, Glatting Jackson
• Flexible Design - Gary Toth, NJ DOT
• November 13, 2006 Workshop Presentation

December 14, 2006 MPO Meeting CSD Presentation

Context Sensitive Design Manual