Traffic calming is achieved
through the implementation of traffic calming measures, often classified
as being vertical, horizontal
or “other” and are described below.
Standard Drawings of the City’s traffic calming measures are also
available by contacting the Engineering
Department.
| Vertical traffic
calming measures include speed humps, raised crosswalks and raised
intersections. These measures have a physical effect on motorists
and their vehicles, and are usually the most effective at reducing
traffic speeds. |
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Speed Hump
- Not a speed bump
- A raised section of roadway, typically 6 to 7 metres (20 feet)
long, and 100 mm (4 inches) high
- Used between intersections
- Slows motorists by vertically deflecting a vehicle, creating
an uncomfortable feeling at higher speeds
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Raised Crosswalk
- Similar to a speed hump
- Incorporates a marked pedestrian crossing and features a coloured
impressed concrete top
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Raised Intersection
- A raised area where two roadways intersect
- Slows motorists as they enter and exit an intersection
- Usually used when constructing new streets, as it is expensive
to retrofit because of the impact on drainage
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| Horizontal traffic
calming measures include roundabouts, medians, curb extensions or
bump-outs and chicanes. These measures have a physical or psychological
effect on motorists, and are somewhat effective in reducing traffic
speeds. |
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Roundabout
- Also called a traffic circle
- A raised island with splitter islands on each approach located
in the centre of an intersection
- Slows motorists as they must steer counter-clockwise around
the island
- Reduces delay and angle collisions
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Median
- A raised section of roadway between opposing lanes of traffic
- Slows motorists by reducing the width of the roadway
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Curb Extension/Road Narrowing
- An intrusion of the curb into the roadway, either at or between
intersections
- Shortens pedestrian crossing distances
- Slows motorists by reducing the width of the roadway
- Most effective when motorists are opposed by traffic
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Chicane
- A series of curb bump-outs alternating from one side of the
street to the other
- Slows motorists because they must steer around the bump-outs
- Most effective when motorists are opposed by traffic
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| Other traffic calming
measures can include contrasting materials, pavement markings and
signage. These measures have a psychological effect on motorists,
and are occasionally effective at reducing traffic speeds. |
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Contrasting Materials
- For example, coloured impressed concrete crosswalks at an intersection
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Pavement Markings
- For example, lines along the edge of the roadway to make it
appear narrower
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Warning Signage
- Examples include Stop and Yield signs, 40 km/h signs, Children
Playing and Park Area signs.
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