Reallocation of Roadway Space for Active Transportation

At times, it is helpful to repurpose roadway space to active transportation. These guidelines will help local governments ensure space is available for active transportation opportunities for the community.

Sidewalks and walking paths sometimes see extra foot traffic. Having enough room for all active transportation users is challenging when walking space is constrained or many people are trying to use the same space.

Municipalities around the world may use temporary lane and road closures to provide extra space for people walking and cycling and this may be an option for B.C. municipalities.

Recommendations

• Closures should consider emergency vehicle passage, goods movements, and access for local residents.
• Frequently monitor and check closures and closure devices to ensure they are working as intended and have not been knocked over, removed or otherwise interfered with.
• Closures should be in the daytime only (7am-7pm, or similar hours). Closure devices should be set up and taken down daily.
• Some modification of Traffic Management Manual layouts will be needed. Consider using C-030 series (lane closure ahead) or other custom signage.
• C-004 (Crew Working Ahead) or C-018 (Construction Ahead) are not applicable.

Resources

• The 2020 BC Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways
  Provincial resource for municipalities when considering how to create lane and street closures to accommodate physical distancing. Refer to these layouts
  • 7.6 Work in a Parking Lane (Two Lane Two-Way Roadway)
  • 7.7 Roadside Work – Encroachment into Travel Lane (Two Lane Two-Way Roadway)
  • 8.5 Work on Shoulder – Short and Long Duration (Multi-Lane Undivided Roadway)
  • 8.6 Right Lane Closed – Short and Long Duration (Multi-Lane Undivided Roadway)
  • 9.5 Work on Shoulder – Short and Long Duration (Multi-Lane Divided Roadway)
  • 9.6 Right Lane Closed – Short and Long Duration (Multi-Lane Divided Roadway)
  • 11.3 Intersection Lane Closure – Two-Lane, Two-Way Roadway with Detour (Near Side) – Short and Long Duration
  • 11.5 Intersection Lane Closure – Two-Lane, Two-Way Roadway with Detour (Far Side) – Short and Long Duration
  • Section 19 layouts regarding complete road closures (with and without detours)
• Suggested reallocation layouts 

  Layout for 4 Lane Cross-section

  

  Layout for Parking Lane Closure

  

  Layout for Full Road Closure

  

• NACTO - COVID-19: Transportation Response Center
  Resources from the North American Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).