Strategic Urban Street Planning: Measures for Efficient and Safe Cities as per IRC Code 70-2017

Urban street planning is the backbone of city development, directly impacting the efficiency, safety, and livability of urban areas as per IRC Code 70-2017. Properly planned streets ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and support sustainable modes of transportation. Effective urban street planning accommodates the needs of various users, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, and motorists, fostering a balanced and inclusive urban environment as per IRC Code 70-2017.
‍

One of the primary goals of urban street planning is to create a network that supports economic activity while maintaining a high quality of life for residents. Well-planned streets facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people, boosting local economies and making cities more attractive places to live and work. Furthermore, urban street planning helps mitigate environmental impacts by promoting public transport and non-motorized transportation options, thereby reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality.
‍

‍

Urban Road Classification
‍

A critical aspect of urban street planning is the classification of roads. Different types of roads serve different functions and cater to varying traffic volumes. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Code 70-2017 Code provides a comprehensive classification system for urban roads, which includes the following categories:
‍

1. Arterial Roads: These are major roads designed for high-speed vehicular traffic. Arterial roads connect different parts of the city and provide links to highways and expressways. They are essential for long-distance travel and usually have limited access points to maintain smooth traffic flow.
2. Sub-Arterial Roads: These roads serve as a transition between arterial roads and local streets, handling moderate to high traffic volumes. Sub-arterial roads connect arterial roads to collector streets, balancing accessibility and mobility.
3. Collector Streets: These streets collect traffic from local streets and direct it to sub-arterial and arterial roads. They play a crucial role in traffic distribution within neighborhoods and accommodate various modes of transportation, including public transit.
4. Local Streets: Primarily used for access to residential properties and local businesses, local streets are designed for low-speed traffic. They form the majority of the urban road network, facilitating intra-neighborhood movement and providing access to homes, schools, parks, and other local amenities.
   ‍

Planning Considerations for Urban Streets
‍

Effective urban street planning involves several key considerations to ensure that the road network meets the needs of all users and supports sustainable urban development as per IRC Code 70-2017. Some of these considerations include:
‍

1. Traffic Volume and Flow: Planners must analyze current and projected traffic volumes to design streets that can handle the anticipated demand. This includes considering peak traffic hours, seasonal variations, and the impact of new developments on traffic patterns.
2. Safety: Safety is a paramount concern in urban street planning. Streets should be designed to minimize conflicts between different types of traffic, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. This can be achieved through proper signage, road markings, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures.
3. Accessibility: Urban streets should be accessible to all users, including people with disabilities, children, and the elderly. This involves providing adequate sidewalks, ramps, and other accessibility features to ensure that everyone can navigate the urban environment safely and comfortably.
4. Public Transport Integration: Integrating public transport into the urban street network is essential for reducing congestion and promoting sustainable mobility. This includes planning for bus lanes, bus stops, and transit hubs that facilitate easy transfers between different modes of transportation.
5. Non-Motorized Transportation: Encouraging walking and cycling is a key goal of modern urban street planning. This involves creating safe and convenient pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes, as well as providing amenities such as bike racks and pedestrian plazas.
6. Environmental Impact: Urban street planning should consider the environmental impact of transportation infrastructure. This includes measures to reduce vehicle emissions, manage stormwater runoff, and incorporate green spaces and trees to enhance urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
7. Future-Proofing: Planners must anticipate future changes in transportation technology and urban growth. This includes designing streets that can accommodate emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and electric cars, as well as planning for future expansions and upgrades to the road network.
   
   ‍

Case Studies or Examples

Several cities around the world have implemented innovative urban street planning measures that can serve as examples for other urban areas as per IRC Code 70-2017:
‍

1. Copenhagen, Denmark: Known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, Copenhagen has prioritized cycling infrastructure in its urban street planning. The city has an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and paths, which has resulted in high cycling rates and reduced traffic congestion. Copenhagen’s approach demonstrates the benefits of integrating non-motorized transportation into urban planning.
2. Bogotá, Colombia: Bogotá has made significant strides in improving its public transport system through the implementation of the TransMilenio bus rapid transit (BRT) system. The city’s BRT network includes dedicated bus lanes, efficient bus stops, and integrated fare systems, making public transport a viable and attractive option for residents. This has reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality in the city.
3. Singapore: Singapore’s urban street planning emphasizes efficient land use and integrated transport systems. The city-state has a well-developed network of arterial and collector roads, complemented by an extensive public transport system that includes buses, trains, and light rail. Singapore’s approach to urban street planning ensures seamless connectivity and efficient movement of people and goods.
4. New York City, USA: The transformation of Times Square into a pedestrian-friendly space is a notable example of urban street planning aimed at improving pedestrian safety and mobility. The project involved closing sections of the streets to vehicular traffic, creating pedestrian plazas, and enhancing public spaces. This has not only improved pedestrian safety but also boosted local businesses and tourism.
5. Pune, India: Pune has implemented several urban street planning initiatives to promote sustainable mobility. The city has developed dedicated bus lanes, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and created cycling tracks to encourage non-motorized transport. Pune’s efforts demonstrate the potential for Indian cities to adopt similar measures to enhance urban mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

‍

Conclusion

‍

According to IRC Code 70-2017, Urban street planning is essential for creating efficient, safe, and sustainable cities. By classifying roads based on their function and capacity, and considering factors such as traffic volume, safety, accessibility, and environmental impact, planners can design street networks that meet the needs of all users. The examples from cities around the world highlight the benefits of innovative urban street planning measures, providing valuable insights for other urban areas. Implementing these principles can lead to more livable and resilient cities, where streets support economic activity, social interaction, and environmental sustainability.