road reconstruction

[olaf]

I'm about to get involved in a neighborhood revitalisation project in our town as part of a local design team.

Beside building restoration and open space development a need arise for reconstruction of some roads and paving improvement of the existing pedestrian mall together with the sewer system.

Taking into account the changing heigths of the existing building entrances level or drives from the individual parcels along the road / pedestrian area there is probably only little chance to use the same tools like for roads outside of the towns (gradients etc.)

A further constraint is created by the fact, that restorated parts of the paved network must be connected to the parts which remained in their old condition.

Are there any ressources or publications available for reference to cope with such a situation?

All what I found deals with new road construction in the open landscape be it a rural road or highway.

Olaf

 

[sc]

There is generally not a lot of information available unless the site is of some heritage value, then there may be an advisory group to help guide you (generally the case in Australia).

Otherwise common sense is the go, being careful not to create areas of higher maintenance in the connection between the new and the old. Good construction detailing and attention to levels and lines will help.

Regards
sc

 

[JCSABOLT2]

There are numerous publications on roadway reconstruction and roadway design. If you are inside, check out the design guidelines of your local DOT. If that doesn't work use AASHTO's "Green Book". What you will find will be basically from a geometrics point of view.

No matter if your project is a revitalization effort or any other type of project, when you redesign a roadway that is to be used by the motoring public, public safety comes first. Personally, I don't care if it looks pretty. If the vehicles can get from point A to point B in a timely and safe manner, I have done my job. Now, if a landscape architect or someone else wants to do something on the side, so be it. However, do not sacrafice the safety of the drivers for something that is pleasing to the eye.