CONTEXT-SENSITIVE DESIGN

Context-sensitive design is another way of saying "to think beyond the pavement" about the impact a travelway will have on the area it traverses, including the people who live, work or pass through the area. Context-sensitive design asks questions first about the need and purpose of the transportation project, which establishes whether a potential project exists. This paper discusses why the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and many state transportation agencies have adopted context-sensitive design practices. It looks at specific actions and strategies that the Maryland State Highway Administration has used to implement the principles of context-sensitive design into their highway program. The information has been gathered through personal contacts with representatives of the pilot states and other sources including the FHWA and AASHTO.