This is an archived document. For current information on Traffic Calming, visit the FHWA Office of Safety.
| Descriptions and Pictures of Traffic Calming Devices and Techniques |
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| Devices and Techniques |
Descriptions |
Pictures |
| Bike Lanes |
A portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing, and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. |
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| Bulbouts/Neckdowns/ Chokers |
Curb extensions at intersections that reduce curb-to-curb roadway travel lane widths. |
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| Center Islands |
Raised islands located along the centerline of a roadway that narrow the width at that location. |
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| Chicanes/Lateral Shifts |
Curb extensions that alternate from one side of the roadway to the other, forming s-shaped curves. |
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| Closures (Cul-de-sacs) |
Barriers placed across roadways to completely close through vehicle traffic. |
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| Diverters |
Barriers placed diagaonally across an intersection, blocking certain movements. |
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| Education |
Instructions given to the residents on safe on-street vehicle travel. |
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| Forced Turn Lanes |
Raised islands located on approaches to an intersection that block certain movements. |
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| Median Barriers |
Raised islands located along the centerline of a roadway and continuing through an intersection to block cross traffic. |
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| Police Enforcement |
Involve employing the services of law enforcement agencies to impose the local safe vehicle laws, including those for posted speeds and traffic signal/signs. |
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| Realigned Intersections |
Changes in alignments that convert T-intersections with straight approaches into curving roadways meeting at right angles. |
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| Roundabouts |
Barriers placed in the middle of an intersection, directing all traffic in the same direction. |
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| Speed Humps |
Rounded raised pavement devices placed across roadways to slow and/or discourage traffic |
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| Speed Tables/ Textured Pavement/ Raised Crossings |
Flat-topped speed humps often constructed with a brick or other textured material to slow traffic |
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| Traffic Circles |
Barriers placed in the middle of an intersection, directing all traffic in the same direction. Usually larger than roundabouts. |
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Sources: Traffic Calming, Selected Practices, Lessons Learned and Reed Ewing, Rutgers University, Center for Urban Policy Research.
