Arterial high street

A lively street that supports high place intensity and a high level of multi-modal movement.

Arterial high streets are both the movement spine through and the heart of urban communities, characterised by their traditional mix of fine-grained, mixed-use buildings and landmark destinations.

The arterial network function brings high volume of public transport, freight and general vehicles through the area.The high street function with shops and civic uses makes these streets important places. The duality of functions in a constrained street reserve creates a challenge to balance amenity and safety for all users, especially people who stay and walk.

Car parking provision varies with location and network demands. Time-restricted paid kerbside street parking is often allowed at off-peak times. Property access is generally via rear service lanes or on parallel streets.

Common issues for standard width metropolitan arterial high streets

disproportionate delay for walking and cycling crossing at intersection and mid-block
fencing on medians or kerbsides conflicting with the desired town centre character
high vehicle speed from arterial routes continuing through the area
traffic volumes needing to be accommodated in limited space
overhead power lines, road signage, noise and air pollution, and few trees
a lack of record of where utilities are located under the street.

Design solutions for standard width metropolitan arterial high streets

[1] low verge buffer planting (Landscape Design Guideline, TS 01595)

[2] rationalised signage (Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, AS 1742 Part 2)

[3] signalised crossings on all intersection legs (Traffic Signal Design, TS 02670)

[4] mid-block crossing (Austroads Guide to Road Design, Part 4)

[5] underground power lines (Guide to Codes and Practices for Streets Opening)

[6] multi-function poles (Multi-function Poles, AS 5386)

[7] lower speed limit (NSW Speed Zoning Standard, TS 03631)

[8] reduced kerb radii (Design of Roads and Streets, TS 00066)

[9] short-term last mile freight and servicing access (Freight and

Servicing Last Mile Toolkit)

Another important design solution not shown is street activation infrastructure (NSW Great Places Toolkit)

The design solutions library includes a full list of appropriate design solutions for arterial high streets.

The Bus Priority Infrastructure Planning Toolbox should be used to determine the appropriate bus priority treatment for arterial high streets.

In greenfield situations, the Guidelines for Public Transport Capable Infrastructure in Greenfield Sites should be used when determining dimensions for these streets.

Common issues for wide metropolitan arterial high streets

walking being demoted below all vehicle movements
high vehicle speed from arterial routes continuing through the area
overhead power lines, road signage, traffic and air pollution and few trees.

Changes in the overall network that reduce traffic volumes, such as a bypass or new tunnel, may offer an opportunity to reallocate road space to other road users.