Image on the left is from Woodinville, WA. On the right is from Ballard, WA. Both in the Greater Seattle Area. Which one do you think is efficient for people, emergency response vehicles, transit and traffic? In fact, research shows that traffic goes up when there are cul-de-sacs in a community. Also, another research shows that as neighbourhoods become walkable, more people start walking and biking (makes sense).
Milton actually discourages cul-de-sac. A resident during door knocking asked why because she liked them. Luckily I found this picture that really says it all.
How much does it cost to maintain a grid pattern versus a cul-de-sac in terms of tax dollars required per person?
Milton has a hybrid of the cul-de-sac and grid system. The streets in HV and HVE appear to be curvy and connect to other streets, whereas a cul-de-sac would have the street terminate without a connection.
Cul-de-sacs are bad for snow moving equipment as it takes longer to pile and move the snow around. One advantage is for this kids. I remember when I was kid, we built forts in our cul-de-sac snow pile. =)