Residential Streets

Residential streets are intended to provide access to adjacent residential properties. They are designed for low speed, low traffic volume and relatively light loadings.

Figures 1 and 2: Residential streets.

Assumed Traffic
Low speed, low traffic volume and relatively light loadings. Truck traffic is limited to those vehicles that provide residential services such as garbage trucks, delivery trucks and the occasional moving van.

Vehicle Type	Vehicles per day	Vehicles per year	ESALs per year
Cars and Light Trucks	500	200,000	140
Medium Trucks and Buses	10	4,000	80
Heavy Trucks and Buses	1	365	365
Totals	510	204,000	585

Design Considerations
If buses (school or public transit) use or are anticipated to use the residential street on a regular basis the street should be designed using an approved design procedure.

Construction Considerations
If the residential street is fully paved before the surrounding homes are built, the pavement may be damaged by heavy construction traffic such as loaded dump trucks, material delivery vehicles and construction equipment. In most cases it is advantageous to pave a residential street in two stages. First, before home construction begins a layer of ACB (in accordance with site paving thicknesses) creates a paved street that allows construction vehicles to access the site without tracking mud or damaging the subgrade. It also allows potential buyers the opportunity to see their homes in a cleaner environment. Second, when major portions of the project are ready for occupancy, the ACB layer can be repaired if needed and a final lift of State Mix IV or V can then be placed as a surface course.

Recommended References