Lanes

Usage: Wide

Lanes are one of the fundamental building blocks of street geometry, defining space for vehicles, buses, and micromobility users. Lane design directly influences safety, vehicle speeds, and how space is allocated among different users. Lanes can vary in width depending on their function and surrounding context, with specific dimensions recommended when: Designing for Micromobility, Buses, or Vehicles. Lane configuration and markings are coordinated with the City’s goals of promoting safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation options.

70th Street and Northern Boulevard, Queens
69th Street, 69th Place, and Juniper Valley Road, Queens

Benefits

  • Defines movement and organization of vehicles, buses, and micromobility users
  • Supports efficient street operations and traffic management
  • Allows for flexible allocation of space
     

Considerations

Review Key Considerations

  • Lane width should correspond to vehicle type and desired speeds with narrower lanes associated with lower vehicle speeds and increased safety
  • Lane design must balance mobility needs with space for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit
  • Markings should be clear and durable; refer to Pavement Markings
     

Application

Design

  • Provide consistent lane widths along a corridor
  • Lane widths should be determined based on site-specific conditions. The typical lane width for moving vehicles is 10 feet; buses and trucks require lanes 11 to 12 feet wide. Parking lanes are typically 8 feet, but may be as low as 6 feet depending on the location 
  • Minimize excessive lane widths, where applicable, to calm traffic. Refer to Lane Narrowing and Lane Removal
  • Ensure markings are compliant with DOT’s Typical Pavement Markings and Geometry Standards
  • Design lane transitions and tapers to facilitate safe vehicle movements
  • Ensure lane configurations align with Vehicle Swept Path Analysis 
  • For guidance on lane configurations for buses and bicycles, review Designing for Micromobility and Designing for Buses
  • For additional information on the materials used to delineate areas in the street, refer to Markings
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