5th/6th Street Livability & Circulation Study
Introduction
The 5th/6th Street Livability and Circulation Study was undertaken to determine how to improve the livability and circulation along this corridor. The Study limits were defined by Interstate 10 and Wilmot Road on the east and west, respectively, and Speedway Boulevard and Broadway Boulevard on the north and south, respectively.
This study is representative of a major directional shift in the City’s approach to designing roadway systems. In the past, roadway design was mainly the purview of transportation engineers. As such, roadway design often reflected the needs of cars rather than the interest of people and healthy communities. Today, the City incorporates a “livability” element into circulation studies. The 5th/6th Street Livability & Circulation Study is an example. The shift in approach is in part based on information provided by the community during the Livable Tucson Vision Program conducted in 1998.
The purpose of Livable Tucson Visioning Program was to define the future of Tucson, balancing the needs of this generation without compromising the resources and abilities for future generations. Livable Tucson defines community goals and tracks progress toward those goals.
There are 17 Livable Tucson Goals. Although all the goals are applicable to the future improvements and development within the 5th/ 6th Street corridor, there are 5 goals which have greater relevance to visual and aesthetic features of this circulation study and design. Listed below are the goals (indicators for goals listed in the Livable Tucson Vision Program, brochure from City of Tucson):
- Better Alternatives to Automobile Transportation: Includes improved public transportation system, bicycle and pedestrian friendly streets, improved roadways (landscape, lighting, sidewalks, bus stops), and promotion of alternatives to the automobile.
- Safe Neighborhoods: Includes how safe people feel in their neighborhoods, crime, policing, and risk perceptions.
- People-Oriented Neighborhood: Includes designing new neighborhoods and investing in old neighborhoods to promote a mix of commercial and residential uses, a pedestrian focus, landscaping and aesthetics, and interaction among residents.
- Respect Historic & Cultural Resources: Includes the preservation and celebration of local landmarks, buildings, neighborhoods, archeological treasures, open spaces, cultures, and traditions that make Tucson unique.
- Strong Local Business: Includes the local economy, particularly small, Tucson-based businesses.
Building on the visioning progress involves interdepartmental staff members in the review of City projects, to determine how these projects can benefit from additional collaborations with other City departments, offices and organizations outside of City government. The 5th/6th Street Livability & Circulation Study benefits from a multi-disciplinary Technical Advisory Committee (TAC, comprised of interdepartmental staff members).
