A Holistic Approach to Complete Streets Policy in Kentucky

With the intent of holistically approaching the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s complete street policy and transportation networks, Gresham Smith led the development of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) new Complete Streets, Roads, and Highways Manual and a custom-trained chatbot assistant. The 10-chapter manual updates and replaces past policies, and it provides an opportunity to both reflect on past efforts and evaluates new and emerging needs and opportunities to enhance the Complete Streets Policy. Intended to support planning and engineering practitioners, transportation agencies, and local communities, it provides in-depth guidance and recommendations for transportation design. By shifting from a motor vehicle-centric transportation system to a new, holistic approach for building a network that supports the needs of all users, the manual creates additional momentum toward the safe systems approach to transportation and will guide decisions for communities across the Commonwealth. The manual builds upon the most current and emerging national best practices for safe, enjoyable and equitable transportation for all users, while the chatbot assistant serves as a tool to make KYTC guidance and policy on complete streets more accessible.