9.3.5 Cul-de-sacs

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cul-de-sacs

Cul-de-sacs are short, dead-end tertiary streets located primarily in residential areas.  They connect at one end to a tertiary or secondary street and have a turnaround at the other end, providing direct access to an abutting property while preventing through traffic. Design characters include:

  • Short, straight, or curvilinear alignment to serve abutting property.

  • Generally a maximum of two traffic lanes, one in each direction.

  • Generally a maximum length of 500 feet or less, except in areas where terrain and low density justify a longer length. (Fort Carson Fire Department standards do not allow a cul-de-sac greater than 500 feet in length)

  • Turnarounds must include a diameter to accommodate fire (minimum diameter of 84 feet) and garbage trucks.  

  • Turnarounds can be either symmetrical or offset.

  • Turnarounds should have center planting islands to reduce the expanse of paved area.

  • Overflow parking can be provided on street in parking bays or within center of turnarounds.

  • Sidewalks should be continuous around the perimeter to support houses on both sides of the street.

  • Street lighting, signing, and planting should be in character with the nature of the traffic and the land use of the area being served.

  • Provide pedestrian and bicycle access through the closed end of the cul-de-sac to neighboring streets, cul-de-sacs and other amenities.

  • No grade greater than 10%.

 

  
 

Roadway Hierarchy