Complete Streets Case Studies
Complete Streets implementation aligns with the Safe System Approach (SSA), which anticipates human mistakes by designing and managing road infrastructure to keep the risk of a mistake low and to reduce injury severity if a crash does occur. Many States and localities are accomplishing the goal of routinely providing for the safety of all users through initiatives such as Safe Streets or Context-Sensitive Solutions; the name is less important than the intent of elevating safety. These compiled case studies aim to stimulate ideas for improving existing streets as part of developing a Complete Streets network, emphasizing developing safe and complete bicycle and pedestrian networks and access to public transportation. Unless otherwise noted, the case studies were compiled by FHWA.
- Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study - 300 West Street Reconstruction Project, Salt Lake City, UT: This case study documents the construction costs for a 1.7-mi section of 300 West Street between 900 South Street and 2100 South Street. Prior to the Complete Streets project, the roadway had four to six 12-ft travel lanes; intermittent shoulders; and on-street, parallel parking on both sides of the roadway. A road diet decreased vehicle speeds and shortened the crossing distance for pedestrians and bicyclists. Raised sidewalks and bicycle lanes improved user visibility and safety.
- Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study - Resurfacing and Reconstruction of MN 28, MN 29, and MN 104 in Glenwood, MN: This case study documents the construction costs for improving safety, mobility, and accessibility of three roadways in the Glenwood, MN city center. Prior to the Complete Streets project, intersections had no pedestrian or bicycle signals, missing crosswalks, and sidewalks with limited accessibility. gaps in the network of bicycle lanes and inadequate street lighting. A road diet reduced travel lanes from four to two lanes, plus a center turn lane provided space for raised one-way bicycle lanes on both sides and curb extension to improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility.
- Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study - Resurfacing of South Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21), Keystone Heights, FL: This case study documents the construction costs for improving State Road 21 traversing 6.4 miles through the Keystone Heights commercial district. Prior to the Complete Streets project, the city found added opportunities to address safety and mobility challenges. Improvements included curb extensions and ramps at crosswalks with signals and lighting, midblock crossings marked with flashing beacons, and school zone signs to improve pedestrian connectivity, walkability, visibility, and safety.
- Complete Streets Construction Cost Case Study - Village Center in the City of La Quinta, CA: This case study documents the construction costs for improving three roadways in La Quinta, California, to improve safety and mobility. Prior to the Complete Streets project, each roadway had four travel lanes and a raised center median. A road diet, reduced travel lanes from four to two, supported added bicycle lanes, and reduced vehicle speeds. New roundabouts with high-visibility crosswalks and refuge medians, midblock curb extensions with crosswalks, signals, and lighting supplied safer access to the village center and elementary school.
- Second Street Corridor (US 60) Complete Street and Road Diet Project - Frankfort, Kentucky: The City of Frankfort, Kentucky’s Second Street Corridor project is an example of how local governments and State departments of transportation (DOTs) can address safety needs during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The City of Frankfort received Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funds in 2018 to implement Complete Streets elements and a Road Diet along the Second Street Corridor (U.S. 60). The project’s objective was to create a safer travel experience for all users, boost economic development in a distressed neighborhood, and allow for placemaking opportunities.
- Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (Bismarck-Mandan MPO) East Main Avenue Corridor Study: The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMMPO) is pursuing a Complete Streets approach to transportation infrastructure preservation and expansion with an emphasis on phased implementation. This new corridor study reviews transportation needs for people and freight; identifies ways to expand transit, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure; and pinpoints development opportunities along the East Main Avenue Corridor.
- The Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency’s Complete Streets Policy: The Kentuckiana Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) advances safety, accessibility, and comfort for all types of travel through its Complete Streets policy adopted in 2022. This case study provides an overview of KIPDA’s Complete Streets policy and how it influences planning and project development within a multi-state context.
- Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Complete Streets Planning Initiatives: The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and its members take a community-focused approach to weaving Complete Streets concepts into their transportation planning efforts. PAG’s Complete Streets Resolution adopted in 2015 codified how to manage revenue generated from a half-cent tax to fund regional transportation projects that was approved by Pima County voters in 2006.
- Carson City Nevada’s Multi-faceted Approach to Complete Streets: By committing to long-term goals for increasing multimodal access and user safety, the City of Carson City, Nevada, and the Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) developed a robust Complete Streets program within its downtown corridor focused on ways to secure funding, a complete streets performance monitoring program, and public outreach surveys and educational mailings.
- Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (Broward MPO) Complete Streets Initiative: Broward MPO is implementing activities to advance their Complete Streets priorities, particularly their Complete Streets Master Plan and innovative engagement efforts with stakeholders. Since beginning Complete Streets in 2012, investments in Complete Streets projects went from $0 to over $300 million.
- Community-Wide Safety Improvements: Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin implemented a range of safety countermeasures and achieved measurable safety outcomes, including an estimated eight pedestrians or bicyclists spared from being struck by a vehicle.
FHWA - Office of Planning, Environment, & Realty
FHWA - Office of Safety
- Safe System Approach Case Studies and Success Stories
- Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) Case Studies
FHWA/FTA - Transportation Planning Capacity Building
The contents of this website do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This website is intended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. The U.S. Government does not endorse outside entities, products, or manufacturers. Links to content created by outside entities are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to reflect the views of FHWA or the U.S. Department of Transportation or a preference, approval, or endorsement of any one entity or product. External sites are not subject to Federal information quality, privacy, security, or accessibility guidelines. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained on this website or the external sites.
Last updated: Friday, May 9, 2025