Service Roads in Delfgauw

I was paired with a Northeastern student, Kayla Arruda to work on a specific project concerning street design in Delft. Our topic of interest is the use of service roads in Delfgauw. I will give a short description of the project. For a full overview including all photos visit the wiki that was created with my partner here.

Introduction

There are three types of roads that each hold different functions:

1. Major Flow Roads
2. Traffic Distribution Roads
3. Local Roads

Service roads, referred to  by the Dutch as “parallel roads”, are local roads that run parallel to traffic distribution roads (through roads). Through roads are used for efficient travel from one location to another by motorists. They have higher travel speeds and volumes which make them a dangerous and undesirable place to bike, walk, live, or park compared to service roads. Roads with mixed functions are less safe than mono-functional roads, so service roads are a critical tool for separating functions to ensure safety in local neighborhoods. Below is a picture of are service roads highlight in yellow with its adjacent through road highlighted in green. The red points represent permeable barriers where cyclists are allowed access while vehicles are prohibited.

Service roads have the following functions:

• Provide access to homes and businesses
• Low stress, safe, and efficient bicycle network
• Parking on street
• Buffer between high speed, high volume traffic and residencies
• Safe and low stress place for pedestrians to walk

Delfgauw Service Roads

Background

The service roads in Delfgauw's Emerald neighborhood are an excellent example of using service roads to keep local neighborhoods safe and quiet. The development is new and nothing was retrofitted, so the design of the road is very intentional and a useful learning tool for understanding Dutch urban planning.

The map above highlights the service and through roads in the Emerald development. The red points represent permeable barriers where cyclists are allowed access while vehicles are prohibited (refer to photo above).