The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included $48 billion for transportation infrastructure investments.  Of that $48 billion, more than $27.5 billion are in funding categories that make funds eligible for use in projects with complete streets elements, and another $3.8 billion are available for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

The Problem:

The ARRA funding should not be used to expand a system of roads that do not provide safe travel for people who are walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation along a corridor.  Too many streets around the country are designed to be wide and fast, without sufficient sidewalks, crosswalks, safe bus facilities, or bicycle lanes.  Little consideration has been given for the safety of older people, children, or people with disabilities.  These incomplete streets are dangerous and create barriers for people to get to jobs, school, the doctor, and fully participate in civic life.  Many cities and towns now recognize the need to re-design their streets to enable safe, comfortable movement along and across streets by food, bicycle, and public transportation.

The Solution:

Projects that help complete the street network for safe travel by all modes should get priority in the spending authorized under ARRA. Using stimulus funds to help cities and towns rebuild their roadways as complete streets would improve safety while reducing traffic, air pollution, energy use, and carbon emissions. This initiative provides good, green jobs in engineering and construction, as well as support local businesses that have been shown to do better when the streetscape is improved.  Many complete streets projects, such as installation of curb ramps, are quick to start and labor intensive. Complete streets elements that do not require excessive additional costs should be incorporated into all repair and maintenance projects funded under the stimulus.

Most of the ARRA funds commonly referred to as money for ‘roads and bridges’ are being distributed through the Surface Transportation Program, which provides great flexibility to state Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations for use on a variety of projects. States and MPOs should use the additional STP funds from ARRA to make a down payment on bringing their transportation systems to a good state of repair and investing in a system for the 21st Century.  Quality road projects that help create complete streets are part of both repair and building for the future. STP funds can also be used for transit capital improvements that would ensure safe and convenient access to bus stops and train stations. In addition, $825 million of the ARRA funds are set aside for the Transportation Enhancements program, which is often used for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. In addition to the transportation funds in the bill, Community Development Block Grant Funds ($1 billion) and Energy Efficiency Block Grant Funds ($2.8 billion) include bicycle and pedestrian improvements as eligible uses.

Indicators of Complete Streets Elements in Project Descriptions Include:

• ADA-compliant curb cuts
• Sidewalk improvements
• New bicycle lanes
• Pedestrian medians
• Roadside improvements for public transportation, including bus shelters and bus-priority traffic signals
• Traffic calming measures, such as chicanes and speed humps
• Improved landscape features, including street trees, benches, and street lighting
• Intersection and crosswalk improvements for non-motorized users
• Other improvements to the safety, accessibility, and quality of the road

Sample project descriptions:

Roadway and sidewalk reconstruction, including accessibility improvement and bike lanes along a significant transit route with a major subway stop, bus and shuttle routes.  Enhances transit-oriented development.

The existing roadway is approximately 20′ wide with no provisions for pedestrians along the route to an elementary school.  The project will provide all weather, ADA compliant sidewalks on both sides of the street and have provisions for on-street parking.

Ensuring Complete Streets Projects Are Prioritized in Recovery Bill Spending

The following is suggested language for a state or locality to adopt to ensure that the transportation spending from the recovery bill benefits all of their citizens.

If the jurisdiction has a complete streets policy:

[Jurisdiction] has adopted [local complete streets policy name], which calls for all road projects to accommodate the needs of all users of the transportation corridor.  Therefore, [jurisdiction] shall ensure that all transportation projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are in compliance with this policy and have adequately accommodated the needs of all users of the transportation corridor, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, public transportation vehicles, and automobiles.

For jurisdictions without a policy:

Project selection for right-of-way improvements funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 shall prioritize those projects that improve safety, access, and mobility for all users of the transportation corridor, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, public transportation vehicles, and automobiles.