What are the most common mistakes when designing multimodal roadways?

1 Lack of vision

One of the first mistakes is to design multimodal roadways without a clear vision and purpose. A vision is a statement that defines the desired outcomes and goals of the project, such as reducing congestion, enhancing livability, or promoting equity. A vision helps to guide the decision-making process and align the stakeholders' expectations and interests. Without a vision, the design may lack coherence, direction, and innovation.

2 Poor integration

Another mistake is to design multimodal roadways without considering how they fit into the larger context of the transportation system and the urban environment. A multimodal roadway should not be an isolated element, but a part of a network that connects different modes, destinations, and land uses. A poor integration may result in conflicts, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. For example, a bike lane that ends abruptly at a busy intersection, a bus stop that is far from the sidewalk, or a rail line that is incompatible with the surrounding development.

3 Insufficient data

A third mistake is to design multimodal roadways without collecting and analyzing sufficient data on the existing and future conditions and needs of the users and the system. Data is essential to understand the demand, supply, and performance of the different modes, as well as the impacts and benefits of the design alternatives. Data can also help to identify the problems, opportunities, and constraints of the project. Without data, the design may be based on assumptions, preferences, or guesses, rather than evidence and facts.

4 Inadequate engagement

A fourth mistake is to design multimodal roadways without engaging the relevant stakeholders and the public throughout the project. Engagement is a process of communication, consultation, and collaboration that aims to inform, involve, and empower the participants. Engagement can help to gather feedback, input, and support for the design, as well as to address the concerns, issues, and expectations of the affected parties. Without engagement, the design may face resistance, opposition, or rejection.

5 Unrealistic expectations

A fifth mistake is to design multimodal roadways with unrealistic expectations about the outcomes and impacts of the project. A multimodal roadway is not a magic solution that can solve all the transportation and urban problems at once. It is a complex and dynamic system that interacts with many other factors and variables. A realistic expectation should acknowledge the trade-offs, uncertainties, and risks involved in the design, as well as the limitations, constraints, and challenges of the implementation.

6 Lack of evaluation

A sixth mistake is to design multimodal roadways without evaluating the results and outcomes of the project. Evaluation is a process of measuring, monitoring, and reporting the performance and impacts of the design, based on predefined indicators and criteria. Evaluation can help to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the project, as well as to identify the lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement. Without evaluation, the design may not achieve the desired goals, or may have unintended or negative consequences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?