Lesson 20: Traffic Calming
![Picture shows a street that has various traffic calming elements, including curb extensions and chicanes.](images/les20fig1.0.jpg)
Photo Source: PBIC, www.pedbikeimages.org |
Lesson Outline
- Need for traffic calming.
- Goals and objectives of traffic calming.
- Traffic calming issues.
- Types of traffic calming devices.
Need for Traffic Calming
- Cut-through traffic.
- Relatively high speeds in neighborhoods.
- Determine the source of the problem.
– | Why do people cut through neighborhoods? |
- Traffic backup on main route.
- More direct connection.
- Make up time due to delay on main route.
Need for Traffic Calming
![In this diagram, traffic on a major arterial is congested at an intersection due to faulty signal timing, and cars opt to detour though minor roads adjacent to the major roadway, causing a traffic calming need.](images/fig203.gif)
Goals and Objectives of Traffic Calming
- Increase safety by slowing vehicle speeds.
- Improve street feel.
- Enhance aesthetics.
- Reduce crime.
- Provide a balance among modes.
- Slows vehicle speeds.
- Increases safety.
- Accommodates motor vehicles.
Traffic-Calming Issues
- Safety.
- Impact of traffic operations.
- Lack of proven design standards.
- Liability.
- Emergency/service vehicle access.
- Impacts on bicycling.
Traffic-Calming Treatments
![This diagram shows a plan for five blocks across and four blocks down and various traffic calming treatments incorporated at several intersections and corridors: curb extensions, neck downs, traffic circles, diverters, chicanes, and cul-de-sacs.](images/fig201.gif)
Types of Traffic-Calming Devices
- Raised pavement areas.
- Reduced street area.
- Street closures.
- Traffic diversion.
- Texture and visual devices.
- Parking.
Combination Devices
- Woonerf.
- Entry treatments.
- Slow streets.
- Channelization.
- Traffic calming on major roads.
- Modified intersection design.
Lesson Summary
- Traffic calming is a viable alternative for having different types of transport share the street.
- There are many types of traffic-calming devices and strategies from which to choose.
FHWA-HRT-05-124
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