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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element <br /> From a transportation perspective , the future land use plan has several transportation <br /> implications. By limiting westward expansion, limiting urban sprawl, and promoting infill, trip <br /> lengths will not substantially increase . Shorter trip lengths result in lower overall system <br /> demand, fewer miles of impacted roadways, and more opportunity for trip demand to be satisfied <br /> by means other than single occupancy vehicles. <br /> Several other characteristics of the future land use pattern also affect transportation. With higher <br /> residential densities programmed for various corridors, there is an opportunity for increased <br /> transit use, since transit systems experience greater ridership under these kinds of conditions . <br /> Similarly, the future land use plan' s clustering of commercial/industrial development within <br /> nodes ensures that trip attractions will be located together in clusters, a pattern which promotes <br /> viable transit use as well as pedestrian/bicycle use. <br /> Even more important for transportation planning are some of the future land use plan initiatives <br /> that are not reflected on the future land use plan map . One of these is the allowance of <br /> neighborhood commercial nodes . These nodes can be established in residential areas to provide <br /> convenient commercial uses. By so doing, trip lengths can be reduced, and transportation system <br /> impacts can be lessened . <br /> Even more important is the future land use element' s policies encouraging traditional <br /> neighborhood development (TND) . Through incentives, the future land use element promotes <br /> TND as an alternative to typical sprawl development patterns. <br /> Characterized by grid streets, mixed uses, accessible recreation, pedestrian systems, and other <br /> design features, TND projects relate to the transportation system in several ways. By locating <br /> housing close to work, shopping, and recreation, TND projects can reduce trip lengths, reduce <br /> vehicle trips, and increase bicycle and pedestrian trips. Also, TND projects can enhance transit <br /> possibilities. <br /> Traffic Circulation System <br /> Even with the land use initiatives referenced above, the traffic circulation system will continue to <br /> be the principal component of the county' s transportation system through 2020 . For that reason, <br /> travel demand must be assessed to determine traffic circulation system needs through the plan' s <br /> time horizon. Based upon travel demand analysis and needs assessment, future roadway <br /> improvements can be identified. <br /> Travel Demand Analysis <br /> To determine projected transportation needs, the County uses the long range transportation plan <br /> development process established by the Indian River County MPO . According to the Intermodal <br /> Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 , every MPO must develop a long range <br /> plan to address the transportation needs of its area. In addition, ISTEA requires that long range <br /> plans consider a horizon of at least 20 years . The Indian River County MPO completed its most <br /> recent Long Range Plan update in 20F .2005 . The horizon year for this plan is -2025 .2030 . <br /> Community Development Department Indian River County 53 <br />