Designing Streets for Harmony: Regulating Mixed Traffic through Innovative Street Design as per IRC Code 70-2017

Urban streets are a complex web of diverse users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorized vehicles, and public transport. The coexistence of these different modes of transport can lead to chaos, congestion, and safety concerns. Mixed traffic, in particular, poses a significant challenge to urban planners and designers. The IRC Code 70-2017 has recognized the importance of regulating mixed traffic and has provided guidelines for street design to ensure the safe and efficient movement of all users. In this blog, we will delve into the challenges of mixed traffic, design speed and segregation of lanes, traffic calming measures, and the benefits and case studies of innovative street design as per IRC Code 70-2017.

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Challenges of Mixed Traffic

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Mixed traffic refers to the sharing of road space by different modes of transport, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorized vehicles, and public transport as per IRC Code 70-2017. This mix of users can lead to conflicts, congestion, and safety concerns. The challenges of mixed traffic are multifaceted:

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• Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable to motorized vehicles, which can result in accidents and fatalities.
• Motorized vehicles may not always yield to pedestrians and cyclists, leading to conflicts and congestion.
• Public transport, such as buses, may not have dedicated lanes, leading to congestion and delays.
• The lack of segregation of lanes can lead to chaos and confusion among users.

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Design Speed and Segregation of Lanes

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Design speed is a critical factor in street design, as it determines the safety and efficiency of the road network. The IRC Code 70-2017 guidelines recommend design speeds of 30-40 km/h for urban roads, which is slower than the typical design speed of 50-60 km/h for highways. This slower design speed allows for safer and more efficient movement of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized vehicles.

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Segregation of lanes is another crucial aspect of street design. The IRC Code 70-2017 guidelines recommend segregating lanes for motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to reduce conflicts and improve safety. For example, dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian paths can be designed to separate these users from motorized vehicles. Additionally, bus lanes and bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors can be designed to prioritize public transport and reduce congestion.

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Traffic Calming Measures

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Traffic calming measures are essential to reduce the speed of motorized vehicles and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The IRC Code 70-2017 guidelines recommend various traffic calming measures, including:

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• Speed humps and speed tables to slow down motorized vehicles
• Chicanes and narrowings to reduce the width of the road and slow down traffic
• Pedestrian crossings and zebra crossings to prioritize pedestrian safety
• Traffic circles and roundabouts to reduce speed and improve traffic flow
• Benefits and Case Studies

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Innovative street design can have numerous benefits, including:

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• Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• Reduced congestion and improved traffic flow
• Enhanced public transport efficiency and reliability
• Increased pedestrian and cyclist activity, leading to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment

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Case studies from around the world demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative street design. For example, the city of Copenhagen has implemented a comprehensive network of cycle tracks and pedestrian paths, resulting in a significant increase in cycling and pedestrian activity. Similarly, the city of Curitiba in Brazil has designed dedicated bus lanes and BRT corridors, resulting in improved public transport efficiency and reduced congestion.

Conclusion

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Regulating mixed traffic is a complex challenge that requires innovative street design solutions. By designing streets with slower design speeds, segregating lanes, and implementing traffic calming measures, we can create safer and more efficient urban environments as per IRC Code 70-2017. The IRC Code 70-2017 guidelines provide a valuable framework for urban planners and designers to create streets that are harmonious and inclusive for all users. As we move towards a more sustainable and livable urban future, it is essential to prioritize innovative street design that promotes safety, efficiency, and equity for all.