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Assessment of Street Network Connectivity in Urban Neighbourhoods

Abstract

Street network connectivity is an important component of urban neighbourhood planning because it influences movement, accessibility, land-use interaction, and the overall spatial structure of communities. Well-connected street networks can provide multiple routes between destinations, reduce travel distances, support pedestrian movement, and improve access to public facilities and services. In contrast, poorly connected networks characterized by cul-de-sacs, disconnected roads, and limited intersections may restrict mobility and contribute to inefficient movement patterns. This study assesses street network connectivity in urban neighbourhoods, focusing on the spatial characteristics that influence accessibility and movement. The assessment considers street density, intersection frequency, block size, route continuity, road hierarchy, and connections between residential areas and important destinations. The study examines how these characteristics contribute to the permeability and functional performance of neighbourhood street systems. The relationship between street connectivity and pedestrian accessibility is also considered. Connected street networks can provide shorter and more direct routes to schools, markets, workplaces, public transport stops, recreational areas, and community facilities. The presence of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, appropriate street widths, and safe intersections can further determine whether physical connectivity translates into practical accessibility for different groups of users. Street network structure can also influence urban development patterns and social interaction. Highly connected streets may support greater interaction between different land uses and encourage active movement within neighbourhoods. However, excessive vehicular traffic on highly connected streets can create concerns relating to noise, road safety, congestion, and pedestrian comfort. Effective neighbourhood planning therefore requires a balance between connectivity, traffic management, and the quality of the public realm. Several factors may affect street network connectivity, including historical development patterns, topography, land ownership, informal development, planning regulations, and rapid urban expansion. Existing neighbourhoods may also face challenges where roads have been developed incrementally without adequate coordination. Improving connectivity in such environments may require strategic road connections, pedestrian links, intersection improvements, and better integration between existing and new development areas. The study aims to assess the level of street network connectivity in urban neighbourhoods and identify spatial characteristics that influence accessibility and movement. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, urban planners, transportation professionals, and local authorities in evaluating and improving neighbourhood street systems. The study can contribute to more accessible, connected, walkable, and functionally integrated urban neighbourhoods while supporting more efficient patterns of movement and land-use development.

Keywords: Street network connectivity, Urban neighbourhoods, Urban planning, Accessibility, Street networks, Road connectivity, Pedestrian movement, Intersection density, Urban mobility, Land use, Street hierarchy, Walkability, Neighbourhood planning, Spatial connectivity.