Who decides what the traffic and road patterns will be for a city like culdesacs and circle intersections?

Answer 1

Although it depends on the state and local government structure, the basic elements mentioned by earlier posters are largely correct. However, in most municipalities, there are specific regulations that developers and planners must follow. These define the width of streets according to anticipated usage, features such as gutters, curbs, parkways and sidewalks, lighting, and so forth. Cul-de-sac designs have fallen out of favor in recent years for numerous reasons - one being it turns out they are more dangerous to children than through streets.

Usually there is a Streets and Roads (or Roads and Highways) sub-unit of a local government's planning and building agencies. It is in those departments where, according to the community's adopted standards and general plan, new roads and streets are laid out. There are usually public reviews of these plans by committees, commissions, or boards composed of either appointed or elected officials. At these meetings people can learn about the plans, make comments or objections, and sometimes even succeed in getting changes adopted.

Actually, it's fun to take part in the process, too. If there is a particular street plan that interests you, visit the local planning or building agency offices for a look at the map, and explanations from the local staff about the plans. Then if you go to the meetings and have something to say, you will be properly informed and can direct your remarks to the specifics involved.

Answer 2

Civil engineers like the city's planning commission are in charge of approving plans that are submitted by developers for things like cul de sacs. Often they are merely rubber stamps for what the developer wants to do, however. Other, larger-scale road features, like circle intersections are handled directly by the planning commission.

Answer 3

I would say the city planner draws up a plan and then sends it to be voted on by the city council.

Answer 4

The city planner is ultimately in charge.

Answer 5

the city planner