3.1.1 Introduction

1. Issues

The purpose of the Circulation Systems Element is to plan a sufficient multi-modal transportation network for the future. This system should include all levels of roadway from freeways to local streets and should also consider a full range of transit options, including local and regional bus service and passenger rail service.

The connection between land use and circulation is a fundamental concept in transportation. Transportation and land use are inexorably connected. Everything that happens regarding land use has transportation implications and every transportation action affects land use.

Issues

Provide Adequate Transportation Network Capacity:

The transportation network in the city of Surprise Planning Area should provide for adequate spacing of major roadways in both the east-west and north-south directions.

Develop a Transportation Network Compatible with Planned Land Uses:

The future transportation network must provide sufficient roadway capacity to serve the future land uses at a build-out condition.

Neighborhood Preservation:

In order to preserve Surprise’s neighborhoods, a transportation network must be designed to discourage traffic from using local and collector streets as cut-through routes to avoid congestion on arterial streets. Additionally, buffer areas must be provided through the planning process. Develop a Safe Pedestrian Environment: In order to encourage the use of multi-modal transportation systems it is imperative that pedestrian connections are identified to provide access to and from transit corridors and within our neighborhoods.

Infrastructure Development Cost:

Policies should be developed to ensure that the cost of transportation infrastructure is adequately borne by the development community. The city’s Capital Improvement Plan should be prioritized to accommodate the development of proposed growth areas and associated land uses.

Provide Adequate Lighting Along Transportation Corridors:

To provide maximum safety for both pedestrians and vehicles, street lighting standards should be developed as part of the city’s development codes which address both safety and neighborhood aesthetics.

Provide Adequate and Cost-Effective Landscaping on all Corridors:

The city’s development codes should include requirements for drought resistant landscaping along all roadway corridors which reflect the character of the specific planning area within with the corridor lies.

Long-Range Multi-Modal Transportation Plan:

This element is based upon the content of the Surprise Transportation Plan, a long range multi-modal transportation plan developed by the Surprise Transportation Commission and adopted by the City Council.