Planned sidewalk and crossing improvements must meet AASHTO , MUTCD , TxDOT , and City of Arlington Design Criteria Manual ( latest edition ) standards .
A . Sidewalk Standards
The sidewalk corridor is typically the portion of the pedestrian system from the edge of the roadway to the edge of the right-of-way or property line . Successful sidewalks include minimal obstacles ; moderate grades and slopes ; rest areas outside of the pathways ; minimal changes in level areas ; firm , stable , and slip resistant surfaces ; and adequate lighting ( Figure 7.4.1 ).
The City of Arlington has made the commitment to create sidewalks that are safe and to ensure connectivity through the community . In pursuing that effort , the City has developed a design system that divides the sidewalk corridor into three zones . The system is used to determine the width of the sidewalk improvements for each land-use and roadway classification . The three zones within the sidewalk corridor are referred to as the frontage , the sidewalk zone , and the pedestrian buffer ( Figure 7.4.2 ).
HIKE AND BIKE SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
ing awnings and signage ( Figure 7.4.3 ).
The sidewalk zone is the paved walking area . Wider sidewalks provide more comfort and space for users and are preferred in high pedestrian use areas , such as in urban / commercial / mixed-use locations . The width of a sidewalk zone is one of the most significant factors in determining the type of pedestrian experience . In urban areas , the sidewalks can be paved from the back of the curb to property lines . In other areas , the paved portion of the sidewalk may be setback from the street leaving space for a pedestrian buffer / furnishing zone .
The City of Arlington standard sidewalks range from a minimum of 4-feet to 7-feet wide , not including curb and other obstructions . Refer to
The frontage zone separates pedestrians from building fronts by providing distance between the property line and the sidewalk . If the sidewalk is adjacent to open spaces , such as residential areas , or parks , the frontage zone can be eliminated . Typically the frontage zone is used in urban areas . It should be free of obstacles and protruding objects . Sidewalks in urban situations against buildings need additional width and vertical clearance to allow for build-
Figure 7.4.2 . Sidewalk corridor zones .
Figure 7.4.1 . Wide sidewalk allows for high pedestrian use and street amenities .
Figure 7.4.3 . Frontage zone . Chapter 7 : Design Guidelines |
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