by Chuck Harlow, PE
I worked at the CTDOT for more than 30 years, so I’ve seen my fair share of roadway development projects. Now working from the consultant side, I have a different perspective on the work, but my main concern remains the same – safety.
There has been a much needed push over the last few years to make safety a priority for all users, not just vehicular travelers. When I think about the concept of “Complete Streets”, I put the emphasis on “complete”. This means that EVERYONE should have their fair share of the road. Cyclists, pedestrians, commuters, shoppers, runners, and drivers should all feel safe as they go from place to place. Properly sized bike lanes, on-street parking, adequate lighting, wide sidewalks, crosswalks, proper signage, and decorative landscaping all play a part in making a street “complete”. But the benefits of complete streets go beyond safety. Click here to learn more:
About the Author
Chuck Harlow, PE is Fuss & O’Neill’s Chief Traffic Engineer. Chuck created a Traffic Engineering Safety Section within the Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Engineering, which focuses on highway safety, including curve warning signs, school warning and crossing signing, and wrong way signing. His experience guides Fuss & O’Neill’s Traffic and Transportation Departments and he routinely mentors junior staff. Outside of his 9-5, Chuck explores the world, recently returning from a two-week family camping adventure to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands of South Dakota.