Town/urban locations are high density, consisting principally of multi-story and low to medium rise structures for residential and commercial use. Areas usually exist for light and sometimes heavy industrial use. Many structures accommodate mixed uses: commercial, residential, and parking. Urban areas usually include prominent destinations with specialized structures for entertainment, athletic and social events as well as conference centers and a state route may serve as a Main Street.
Town/urban characteristics also include:
- Various government and public use structures exist that are accessed regularly
- Building setbacks are both short and long
- Streets normally have on-street parking
- Wide sidewalks and plazas accommodate more intense pedestrian traffic
- Bicycle lanes and transit corridors are frequently present
- Off-street parking includes multi-level structures that may be integrated with commercial or residential uses
- Some highways that fit this category may be designated by WSDOT as “Main Street Highways” (see Appendix B: Identification of State Highways as Main Streets)
The town/urban context applies to most mobility and economic vitality performance measures and metrics (summarized in the tables below). Note that the town/urban context is relevant for practical solutions beyond those focused on mobility and economic vitality. Additional performance measures and metrics will be developed to evaluate how WSDOT projects advance WSDOT’s goals around the environment, preservation, safety, and stewardship.