From a sustainable planning perspective the objective of route selection should be to design for a minimal effect on landform that requires the least earthwork. Other sustainable road design considerations for accessing a developed area include:

• Select corridors to limit environmental impacts and control development along the corridor leading to the facility.
• Consider roads of a narrower than standard width to reduce the developed footprint and calm traffic making pedestrians more safe.
• Provide anticipation and drama by framing views or directing attention to landscape features along the access route.
• Develop opportunities for pedestrian circulation and informal interaction.
• Include strategies that will encourage alternative transportation.
• Provide a sense of arrival at the destination.
• Roads should run east-west wherever possible to enable the orientation of facilities to face within an angle 30 degrees of due south
• Utilize access corridors for multiple purposes (i.e. visitors, maintenance, emergency vehicles, underground utilities).
• Minimize vegetation clearing on road shoulders to reduce soil erosion.
• Utilize landscape solutions rather than paved ditches to stem erosion along steep road gradients.
• Ensure the development of complete systems that support pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation as discussed in the alternative transportation section of this toolkit.

Material selection for roads also has a large impact upon sustainability. Unpaved surfaces are appropriate in areas of stable soils, lower slopes, and low traffic loads, but they require more maintenance. Permeable paved surfaces allow limited percolation of precipitation while providing better wear than unpaved surfaces. Impermeable paved surfaces are needed for roads with the highest load and traffic requirements. Whenever possible, recycled materials should be used in the construction of the surfacing, e.g., crushed glass, shredded rubber tires, or recycled aggregate. The surfacing material should blend with predominant landscape tones. Contractual arrangements should be developed with local businesses for the reuse/recycling of any construction waste.