Context
Sensitive Design (CSD) is an approach to planning and designing
transportation projects based on active and early partnerships
with communities.
While CSD is not a new concept for the New Jersey Department of
Transportation: it was formally incorporated into its procedures
in 1999. CSD involves a commitment to a process that encourages
transportation officials to collaborate with community stakeholders
so the design of the project reflects the goals of the people
who live, work and travel in the area. Such collaboration results
in creative and safe transportation solutions.
The Congestion Relief and Transportation Trust Fund
Renewal Act signed into law in July 2000, requires the New Jersey
Department of Transportation to have a CSD program.
NJDOT engineers, planners, project managers
and community relations representatives, as well as consultants
and community leaders have been trained in its techniques: flexible
design, respectful communication, consensus-building and community
participation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
What does CSD mean for my town?
Because of our high traffic volumes, population density and aging
transportation infrastructure, New Jersey residents stand to benefit
more from this community-based approach than many other states
in the nation.
Our town centers, villages and cities grew around
our highways. As a result, we have an urgent need to safely and
efficiently move motor vehicles through residential and commercial
areas while at the same time protecting the equal rights and safety
of pedestrians, bicyclists and local users of business and public
facilities.
Be ready.
When NJDOT or NJ TRANSIT announces a new study or project inyour
community, gather your ideas, your concerns and your fellow residents.
Come to the meetings and share them with us. Together we will
find common ground and innovative ways to solve the transportation
problem while enhancing the community.
See Chart.
Have a vision.
Residents must develop a formal concept of what they want their
towns to look like in five, ten and twenty years. NJDOT can then
be a partner in fulfilling that vision and also explain any limits
on our delivery of the project so local expectations can be realized.
For more information on Context Sensitive Design, please contact:
The Director of Communications
NJDOT
P.O. Box 600
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-530-4280