Complete Streets Design Guidelines

Topeka’s streets are a vital component of the economy and health of the City and County and must meet the needs of residents, workers and visitors.  The city and county’s current street network is diverse and includes streets in a grid network with sidewalks in downtown and older parts of the city, transitional suburban streets, as well as formerly rural neighborhoods and developments built without sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm sewer networks. Development patterns and contexts vary substantially from one part of the city to another. Older parts of Topeka contain traditional development patterns based on an interconnected street grid, whereas more recent suburban developments tend to be more auto-oriented with wide roadways and fast-moving traffic. Building on the City, County, and MTPO Complete Streets policies, this document sets forth the following vision for Topeka Streets:

The planning, design and construction of Topeka and Shawnee County’s streets will provide a balanced, safe and reliable network of facilities that offers convenience, connections, and access for all users of the system including motorists, freight drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.