Strategic road network formulation: developing an alternative methodology towards sustainable mobility

Abstract

Hierarchy of urban transport networks is a fundamental component of the traffic organization in cities. Until recently, conventional hierarchy approach has provided almost absolute priority to car movement, resulting in dysfunctional urban systems with low level of modal integration, unattractive and inaccessible public spaces as well as serious environmental issues. The need for a new hierarchy formulation which promotes sustainable means of transport is now more imperative than ever.The aim of this paper is to create a methodological process for formulating the strategic road network of a large metropolitan city. This method divides primary roads into 6 categories based on their network position, their connectivity, their urban characteristics, the existence of trunk bus lines or metropolitan cycling routes as well as their current classification. The study area of the research is the metropolitan area of Athens in Greece. The implementation of the proposed method can benefit Athens in many ways, such as promotion of sustainable means of transport, enhancement of urban vitality, environmental protection, unification of the urban fabric, accessibility improvement etc.The methodological framework described, constitutes a street-oriented planning tool that gives priority to public transport, walking and cycling. It can be applied to other study areas as well, acting as a roadmap for strategic road network formulation.