The improper road design you tangentially refer to is called a "stroad" and it's been discussed on HN before.[0] In short, highway speeds (like a road) but with numerous stops (like a street), and little to none of the predestrian-related benefits of a street (e.g. places to sit, walk, ride bicycles safely etc.).

[0]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29293456