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Strategies > Land Use Strategies ​> Street Network Connectivity

Street Network Connectivity

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Photo: Flickr/ Eric Prado
Street network connectivity refers to the structure of the street network including the pattern of streets and the type and number of street intersections. A connected street network has higher number of street connections (street density), creates multiple route options, and shorter block lengths that support active transportation.
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A highly interconnected street network is one component of compact neighborhoods (aka New Urbanist, smart growth, or traditional neighborhoods). The 15-minute city or 20-minute neighborhood also relates to the compact city, in which residents are able to walk or bike a short distance to their daily destinations. 

Proven Outcomes

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Increased Walking
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Increased Physical Activity
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Reduced VMT
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Reduced GHG
Increasing street network connectivity is recommended strategy for increasing walking and physical activity (Community Guide, 2016). Higher street network connectivity reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (Stevens, 2017, paywall) and therefore, reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). 

Likely Outcomes

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Increased Bicycling
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Reduced Air Pollution
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Reduced crashes
Street network connectivity encourages walking and cycling, and if it substitutes for a vehicle trip, can reduce air pollution. A highly interconnected street network tends to have fewer crashes (Marshall & Garrick, 2011, paywall).

Equity and Inclusion

While a highly connected street network is associated with increased physical activity in adults, it may relate to lower levels of physical activity in youth (Mecredy et al, 2011). 

Complementary Strategies

  • Local Accessibility
  • Residential Density
  • Land Use Mix
  • ​Pedestrian Infrastructure

Implementation Guidance

Guides & Reports
Implementing Complete Streets: Networks of Complete Streets

Smart Growth America & the National Complete Streets Coalition, n.d.
Improve street network connectivity 
[Website]




Transportation Efficient Communities, 2020
Street connectivity guidance document



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Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, n.d.
Guidebook for measuring multimodal network connectivity


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Federal Highway Administration 2018
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Promoting connectivity [Website]



US Department of Transportation, 2015
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  • Home
  • Goals
    • Physical Activity
    • Bicycling
    • Walking
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    • Vehicle Miles Traveled
  • Strategies
    • Transportation Infrastructure >
      • Bicycle Infrastructure
      • Pedestrian Infrastructure
      • Traffic Calming
    • Transportation Demand Management >
      • Active Travel to School
      • Employer-Based Trip Reduction Programs
      • Parking Availability and Pricing
      • Road User Pricing
      • Voluntary Travel Behavior Change Programs
    • Land Use Strategies >
      • Local Accessibility
      • Regional Accessibility
      • Residential Density
      • Land Use Mix
      • Street Network Connectivity
    • Public Transit >
      • Transit Access
      • Transit Service
    • Engagement >
      • Community Engagement
  • Emerging issues
  • Approach
  • About
  • Support Us
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • News