This document discusses how visual graphics can help communicate complex transportation infrastructure issues and projects more simply. It provides examples of how graphics were used to illustrate levels of service analyses, construction staging processes, and site assessments in a clear way for community members and decision makers. Contact information is included for Michael Fishman of Traffic Graphics to discuss these types of visualizations.

1. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE.
Communicating critical issues and opportunities of urban infrastructure
projects can be simple and clear by using few words and allowing well
crafted images to do the talking.
Community members, practitioners and decision makers alike
must all be on the same page. Understanding data driven and
technical information is critical to the planning, design and
construction of sustainable infrastructure.
Traffic Graphics make
complex information easy Times Square Pedestrian Project
to understand. < initial diagram + existing condition >
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607

2. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
LEVELS OF SERVICE
‘A – B – C it’s easy as 1 – 2 – 3 . . .’
Columbia University Master Plan
DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
< LOS Analysis + Implemented
Improvements v
Data Collection Strategy >
LOS Analysis: before and after proposed platform improvements
Stadium Pedestrian Density: Macro & Micro Scale
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607

3. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
SITE ASSESSMENT
NYSDOT Route 9A Plan (World Trade Center Site)
Traffic, Tunnel and Landscape assessment clearly
identified in Red, Blue and Green >
SCALE
Reintroducing issues and opportunities at a
variety of scales makes concepts clear for all
concerned. Service vehicles to pedestrians,
property owners to City planners.
Multiple Scales: Macro – Micro
World Trade Center Master Plan Site Assessment >
Whole Foods Site Assessment The Memorial The Site The Region
Columbia University Master Plan
LOS Analysis + Implemented Improvements
The Region The Site Highway Access Local Access
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607

4. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
CONSTRUCTION STAGING PROCESSES
No more ‘Pardon Our Appearance’ under construction.
Construction staging is a design exercise for facilities that need to
maintain operations during reconstruction. Public infrastructure
projects can be easily accessible while under construction and improve
levels of service upon ground breaking – not simply at ribbon cutting
with clear communications for contractors and the public.
Consolidated Edison Roadwork and Facility Improvements: Multi-Lingual flyers and posters NYC Utility Companies Field Manual: Diagrams
communicated work being done in communities and for permitting agencies. standards for street construction zones.
SIGNAGE AND WAY FINDING
Integrated design of each phase for the best passenger throughput can include all types of media,
from TV to internet and printed graphics, to inform the public.
Newark Airport Vision42 Construction
Reconstruction User Staging Strategy:
Friendly Maps: On-line outlines stages of
and in print maps were construction for cost
available to employees estimates and to
and passengers to communicate issues to
navigate the area during local business and
reconstruction. residents. >
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607

5. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
ANALYZING THE VISION
For the World Trade Center Innovative Design Competition,
over 250 diagrams were produced to communicate
transportation infrastructure issues and opportunities
associated with the entries to decision-makers and the public.
Far right: pedestrian only space in blue was hard to understand
until diagrammed.
Below: grade changes that would have been impossible for
pedestrians to navigate and service access created dangerous
conditions below grade for one entry.
Communicating the benefits of the elevated rail in Far Rockaway for flood defense, evacuation and mixed use
development to politicians, community members and business leaders.
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607

6. TRAFFIC GRAPHICS
COMMUNICATING THE VISION
Connecting the Greenways: Battery Park Perimeter >
Pier 76 Infrastructure Consolidation
World Financial Center Streetscape Strategy V
Chelsea Pier Access Plan Brooklyn Navy Yard Site Plan
Contact: Michael Fishman
fishman@urbananswers.com
646 255 9607