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- 4 <br /> Objectives of a Thoroughfare Plan <br /> Thoroughfare planning is a process public officials use to assure the development of the <br /> most appropriate street system that will, meet existing travel desires within the urban <br /> area. The primary aim of a thoroughfare plan is to guide the development of the urban <br /> street and. highway system in a manner consistent with changing traffic demands. <br /> Through proper planning for street development, many costly errors and much needless <br /> expense can be averted. A thoroughfare plan will enable street improvements to be made <br /> as traffic demands increase, and help eliminate unnecessary improvements. <br /> A thoroughfare plan is a public document which helps guide citizens in choosing a home <br /> or business when selecting a site. The thoroughfare <br /> officials, serving. as�.a plan also aids state and local <br /> guide when making requirements of developers in critical <br /> transportation areas. The plan can be used as a guide for advanced right-of-way <br /> dedications and reservations, which translate into saved public monies and faster <br /> implementation schedules. <br /> By developing the urban street system to keep pace with increasing traffic demands, a <br /> maximum utilization of the system can be attained that will require a minimum amount <br /> of lend for `street purposes and minimize future impacts on development. Also, with an <br /> approved thoroughfare plan in hand, plans for acquiring monies, (CIP and TIP) can be <br /> set into motion'well in advance of actual construction. <br /> Long range road planning allows for identification of social and environmental concerns <br /> • long before construction. The development of a thoroughfare plan, helps to define <br /> neighborhoods by, protecting them from "cut through" traffic on minor streets caused by <br /> drivers seeking to'avoid'congestion on major arterials.. By increasing the traffic-moving <br /> efficiency of these arterials,.traffic;can be "siphoned" from inappropriate neighborhood <br /> streets: If properly implemented, this"can have a very positive impact on reinforcing <br /> neighborhoods' integrity -- a well acknowledged top priority in every community. <br /> • <br /> What a Thoroughfare Plan Ls: _ <br /> A thoroughfare plan is a planning document delineating the type and general location of <br /> needed roadway facilities. It is a plan for a system of interconnected roadways designed • <br /> to serve in a proper functional hierarchy, not unlike that of a tree, whose trunk divides <br /> into smaller branches: " . <br /> • <br /> Designation of I roadway as a.major thoroughfare involves an assessment of its <br /> importance to the area's road system.. The assessment takes into consideration a road's <br /> length,-continuity, and proximity to other roads serving similar trip movements. Existing <br /> and projected traffic volumes are only two of several considerations involved. All major <br /> 1.2 <br /> • <br />