June 01, 2022
What does the future of transportation look like? The Bonton transportation team not only sees it clearly, but also embraces the responsibility of bringing tomorrow’s solutions to life today. As engineers, we’re committed to improving the quality of life for all by using our expertise to bring environmental, social, economic and public health benefits to the communities we serve. The concepts of complete streets and green infrastructure are integral to the future-focused work we do.
Complete streets is a design model focuses on inclusivity — building a safe, accessible transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of all users, from drivers and public transit users to bicyclists and pedestrians. It recognizes that people of different ages and abilities have different transportation needs, and that the street network should accommodate everyone. The illustration (courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration) shows a typical example of how complete streets benefit users with safe, accessible options.
“Baton Rouge needs a more balanced transportation network,” says Marcus Bonton, P.E., our transportation practice Principal. “As the City addresses its most dire infrastructure needs, there’s an ongoing opportunity to provide equal transportation access and connectivity to area assets and resources. It’s a huge collaborative effort that will take time, and we’re proud to support and partner with our City, State and stakeholders to identify solutions and move the needle.”
Green infrastructure is a resilient approach to managing stormwater runoff that aims to protect, restore and mimic the natural water cycle. Within a transportation network, green infrastructure design features include:
Rain gardens — sunken areas of planting that collect stormwater and absorb it into the land
Bioswales — using vegetation or mulch to slow and filter stormwater flows
Planter boxes and planting strips — walled rain gardens that collect and absorb runoff from streets, sidewalks and parking lots
Urban tree canopies — absorb stormwater in leaves and branches
Natural areas, such as parks and wetlands — reduce the water quality and flooding impacts of urban stormwater, and provide recreation opportunities