master plan update - City of Boca Raton

Mizner BoulevardBoulevardSECTION CFRAMEWORKSURBAN STANDARDS FORDOWNTOWN THOROUGHFARESThe idealized models when applied toexisting streets suggest a series of modifications.These can apply to the streetsindicated in the diagram on this page.A more detailed description is providedfor both Federal Highway and East PalmettoPark Road.Dixie HighwayChange Traffic Signal Cycles inthe Pedestrian ZoneBy switching to shorter traffic signalcycles (e.g., 60 seconds instead of 120seconds), pedestrians will be able to crossmore frequently and not be tempted tojaywalk. Capacity will be preserved oreven enhanced if these shorter cycles aretimed to create a 25- to 30-mph vehicleprogression speed.NW Second StreetFederal HighwayNE NE First Avenue AvenueEast Palmetto Park RoadEliminate Right Turn Lanes In thePedestrian ZoneThe presence of dedicated right-turnlanes is an anti-urban, anti-pedestrian(longer cross walks, high speed rightturns) element that typically is not basedon capacity needs, but on preservingvehicle speed in the moving lanes. Sincethe traffic signal timing would be set toa speed of 25 to 30 mph, speed preservationshould no longer be a goal.Add Traffic Signals / CrosswalksAs speeds are reduced and balance isestablished, urban traffic signal spacingwill improve both pedestrian and vehicularaccess and circulation. The 300- to325-foot spacing of intersections of theexisting street grid is a perfectly acceptablespacing of signals in a downtown.Streets with improvements in urban standardsThrough vehicles would still be able toprogress along the timed corridor at 25to 30 mph.As the development of such a streetprogresses, more time-intensive effortsto balance the street should follow.These may include:» Lane Width Reduction: 10- or 11-foot lanes are appropriate at targetspeed.» Eliminate Shoulder: No shoulder isrequired on this urban street.» Median with Trees: Verticalelements tend to reduce vehiclespeeds.»»»»»»Add Edge Vertical Elements (trees,furniture, parking)Reduced Length Left-Turn Lanes(Resulting from shorter signalcycles)Add People or Evidence ofPeople (tables, chairs, etc.)Pedestrian-Scale LightingBuilding HeightUrban Signage (edge razor signsand similar); perpendicular tostorefronts26