Suburban Residential (C3R) Context Classification
Mostly residential uses within large blocks and a disconnected or sparse roadway network.
Suburban Residential Overview
Roadways in the Suburban Residential (C3R) Context Classification reside in mostly residential areas with a disconnected or sparse roadway network. The buildings surrounding the roadway in this context are generally detached structures between one and three stories tall with setbacks from the road varying from 20' to 75'.
Suburban Residential roadways have an allowable design speed of 35 - 55 mph. The speed management techniques in the FDOT Design Manual can help encourage drivers to drive slower and create a safer environment for everyone utilizing the road. These roadways have moderate traffic and are essential to a multiple modes of transportation. The image below illustrates the amount and type of users that are expected in the Suburban Residential context.
Cars are the primary users of a road in this context but increased safety measures may promote people living in the nearby houses to utilize the roadway more for walking and biking.
Existing Condition
Five-lane, two-way highways including two-way left turn lanes and small shoulders can be found through many suburban residential areas in Florida. The presence of many houses in these areas means there are a lot of people around that could potentially utilize pedestrian and bicyclist facilities for exercise, relaxation, or to get from one person’s house to another, making a road in this area a great candidate for a Complete Streets project.
Learn more about the Existing Condition in the 360 Experience.
Current Standard
Some minor enhancements can be made to the existing condition to make the roadway consistent with current FDOT Standards. The current FDOT Standards are in alignment with the complete streets methodology which means upgrading it to current standards also makes the street more "complete."
Learn more about the Current Standard in the 360 Experience.
Complete Street Enhancements
Additional enhancements can be made that is above what is required in the standards to make a street more complete. Many of these enhancements help manage the speed of the street and make it more inviting for bicyclists and pedestrians to use. The images below are just a few examples of enhancements that apply to the Suburban Residential context. Many other enhancements and combinations of enhancements can also be applicable. The techniques shown below can also be applied to other context classifications. See the Complete Streets Matrix button below or FDM Chapter 202 for more information.
Additional Example 1
This example focuses on improvements for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Additional examples shown represent potential design solutions based on safety data, project constraints, and budget.
Learn more about Additional Example 1 in the 360 Experience.
Additional Example 2
This example concentrates on pedestrian safety and convenience by adding a midblock crossing to allow non-motorists to safely cross the road before the intersection to get to the shared use path on the other side. Intersections are generally farther apart in this context which makes a midblock crossing an appropriate enhancement to a street in this context.
Additional examples shown represent potential design solutions based on safety data, project constraints, and budget.
Learn more about Additional Example 2 in the 360 Experience.
360 Experience
Select a red hot spot to explore each example of the suburban residential context classification. Click the rectangle in the upper right for a full-screen view.
Project Locations (C3R)
Florida Complete Streets by Context Classification (completed and planned)
Speed Management
Examples of several speed management techniques that can be applied to an existing road to encourage drivers to slow down are described below. Each technique has specific target speed, design, and budget restrictions that will need to be considered before applying to a project. Please look into the speed management chapter of the FDOT FDM for more information.
Horizontal Deflection
This technique redirects driver in the horizontal plane by use of a curve, roundabout, chicane, or other redirection device. Such a movement forces drivers to reduce their speed in order to safely navigate.
Pedestrian Signal
Pedestrian signals are utilized to ensure the safety of pedestrians, usually at midblock crossings. Since midblock crossings are not at intersections, many times vehicles will not pay as much attention for pedestrians. A pedestrian signal notifies vehicles to stop so that pedestrians can safely cross the road.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB's)
These traffic control devices attract drivers' attention in order to help manage operator speeds near pedestrian crossings.
Additional Speed Management Techniques
- Horizontal Deflection - This technique redirects the driver in the horizontal plane which forces drivers to reduce speed in order to safely navigate the speed management device.
- Lane Narrowing - Meant to enhance driver engagement as lanes narrow through transition zones.
- Refuge Islands - Islands are used as pedestrian refuges while also preventing vehicle lane departures, therefore encouraging drivers to slow down and remain in their lanes.
- Road Diet - A type of lane repurposing project which reduces the number of vehicular travel lanes and replaces them with Complete Street elements.
- Roundabout - When used in series, roundabouts can help maintain a low-speed condition as an alternative to vertical deflection, stop signs, or traffic signalization.
- Speed Feedback Signs - Signs are used as a traffic operations strategy that alerts drivers to their speed, relative to the posted speed limit.
- Terminated Vista - A terminated vista places a building, tree, or natural view in a driver's central vision therefore partially blocking the view of the road ahead in order to promote drivers to reduce their speed.