Subdivision 1. Definition. "Complete streets" is the planning, scoping, design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of roads in order to reasonably address the safety and accessibility needs of users of all ages and abilities. Complete streets considers the needs of motorists, pedestrians, transit users and vehicles, bicyclists, and commercial and emergency vehicles moving along and across roads, intersections, and crossings in a manner that is sensitive to the local context and recognizes that the needs vary in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
Subd. 2. Implementation. The commissioner shall implement a complete streets policy after consultation with stakeholders, state and regional agencies, local governments, and road authorities. The commissioner, after such consultation, shall address relevant protocols, guidance, standards, requirements, and training, and shall integrate related principles of context-sensitive solutions.
Subd. 3. Report. Beginning in 2011, the commissioner shall report on the implementation of the complete streets policy in the agency's biennial budget submission under section 174.02.
Subd. 4. Local road authorities. Local road authorities are encouraged, but not required, to create and adopt complete streets policies for their roads that reflect local context and goals. Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a local road authority from adopting a complete streets policy that incorporates or exceeds statutory complete streets principles.
Subd. 5. Variances from engineering standards. (a) When evaluating a request for a variance from the engineering standards for state-aid projects under chapter 162 in which the variance request is related to complete streets, the commissioner shall consider the latest edition of:
(1) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; and
(2) for projects in urban areas, the Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities, from the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
(b) If the commissioner denies a variance request related to complete streets, the commissioner shall provide written reasons for the denial to the political subdivision that submitted the request.
2010 c 351 s 52
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation
Chapter 174 — Department Of Transportation
Section 174.01 — Creation; Policy.
Section 174.02 — Commissioner's Powers And Duties.
Section 174.03 — Duties Of Commissioner.
Section 174.04 — Financial Assistance; Applications; Disbursement.
Section 174.06 — Transfer Of Powers.
Section 174.10 — Proceedings Involving Carriers.
Section 174.11 — Property Acquisitions; Notice To County Auditor.
Section 174.12 — Transportation Economic Development Program.
Section 174.13 — Transportation Programming And Investment Committee.
Section 174.14 — Value Analysis Of Project; Policy.
Section 174.16 — Contract To Include Value Analysis Authorization.
Section 174.17 — Evaluation Of Value Engineering Proposals.
Section 174.18 — Advertisement Of Highway Contract.
Section 174.185 — Pavement Life-cycle Cost Analysis.
Section 174.186 — Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Collaborative.
Section 174.20 — Pavement Selection Guidelines.
Section 174.21 — Public Transit Assistance And Transportation Management; Purpose.
Section 174.23 — General Powers And Duties.
Section 174.24 — Public Transit Participation Program.
Section 174.247 — Annual Transit Report.
Section 174.255 — Paratransit Program; Accessibility; Insurance.
Section 174.256 — Park-and-ride Program.
Section 174.257 — Ride-sharing Program.
Section 174.27 — Public Employer Commuter Van Program.
Section 174.285 — Minnesota Council On Transportation Access.
Section 174.29 — Coordination Of Special Transportation Service.
Section 174.295 — Eligibility Certification; Penalty For Fraud.
Section 174.30 — Operating Standards For Special Transportation Service.
Section 174.315 — Special Transportation; Ambulance Service Prohibited.
Section 174.35 — Light Rail Transit.
Section 174.36 — Notice Of Studies Of High-speed Rail.
Section 174.38 — Active Transportation Program.
Section 174.40 — Safe Routes To School Program.
Section 174.42 — Transportation Alternatives Projects.
Section 174.45 — Public-private Partnerships; Joint Program Office.
Section 174.50 — Minnesota State Transportation Fund.
Section 174.51 — Minnesota State Transportation Bonds.
Section 174.52 — Local Road Improvement Fund.
Section 174.525 — Transportation Loan Pilot Program.
Section 174.53 — Department Of Transportation Efficiencies.
Section 174.57 — Snow And Ice Control; Appropriation.
Section 174.58 — State Road Construction Prior Appropriations.
Section 174.60 — Railroad Passenger Service Provided.
Section 174.62 — Authority To Enter Into Agreement.
Section 174.63 — Public Hearing; Notice.
Section 174.632 — Passenger Rail; Commissioner's Duties.
Section 174.634 — Passenger Rail; Funding.
Section 174.636 — Passenger Rail; Exercise Of Power.
Section 174.64 — Functions And Powers Relating To Carriers.
Section 174.65 — Carrier Hearings And Appeals.
Section 174.66 — Continuation Of Carrier Rules.
Section 174.70 — Public Safety Radio Communications.
Section 174.75 — Complete Streets.
Section 174.82 — Commuter Rail; Commissioner's Duties; Contracts.
Section 174.84 — Commuter Rail System Planning.
Section 174.86 — Commuter Rail Plan; Review.
Section 174.88 — Commuter Rail Funding.