OVERVIEW
We have heard many concerns from Northside residents about speeding and unsafe conditions on several residential streets. Road redesigns can take a long time to implement, so we have been looking at what projects we can start now to have an immediate improvement.
CHICANES
What is a chicane? - A chicane is a marked off area that extends from the curb. Chicanes can help reduce speeding by creating a curve in the street.
As part of this project a temporary chicane was installed on William Street.
Results So Far – We have been tracking speed and volume data for the temporary chicane on William Street. Since the chicane was installed, we have seen a 22% decrease in speeds (average decrease of 9mph) and almost a 30% decrease in the number of cars using William Street. We will continue to collect data through January 2020. After which we will check in to see if the chicane is helping and if it should stay or if there is something else we can try.
Source: FHWA Traffic Calming Primer
SPEED HUMPS
What is a speed hump? – Speed humps are similar to speed bumps but are designed for use on public streets to slow traffic.
After hearing from residents that speed bumps would be a better fit to help reduce speeding, we are exploring opportunities to install speed humps on several streets.
Based on resident input and results from the speed/volume study, speed humps have been installed on Mabel Street, Elizabeth Street , N. Rose Street, and Cobb Avenue and will be installed on N. Church Street in late October. We will continue to monitor the results of the speed humps on traffic speeds and traffic volume. The remaining eligible streets that will not have speed humps installed this fall will be considered for work next year along with other potential candidates.
SCHEDULE & IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
JULY 2020
Existing Conditions Recording
Existing speed and volume data were recorded.
Outcome: Speed and volume data
Project Kick-off Event
Chicane example with demonstrations and details. At this event we heard from many residents that speed bumps would be a better fit.
Outcome: Pause on chicane installation, form a working group of residents to discuss traffic calming opportunities moving forward
AUGUST 2020
Working Group Meeting #1
Meeting to discuss traffic calming opportunities
Outcome: Reach out to residents on streets eligible for traffic calming to determine if they would like traffic calming measures installed on the street near their house
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2020
Speed Hump Outreach & Installation (In progress)
Eight streets were determined as eligible for speed humps based on several factors (pavement condition, street type/width, proximity to alternate routes, resident concern areas, and speed data). Input was sought from residents on eligible street sections to see if residents wanted speed humps on their street, as well as help us determine priorities for installation this fall. Resident input was collected through door hangers that were distributed to each house on the eligible street sections. The distributed door hangers included options to respond by email, phone, or prepaid mailed postcard.
Based on resident input and results from the speed/volume study, speed humps have been installed on Mabel Street (between Westnedge and Cobb), Elizabeth Street (between Westnedge and Cobb), N. Rose Street (between Frank and Paterson), and Cobb Avenue (between North and Paterson) and will be installed on N. Church Street (between Frank and Paterson) in late October. We will continue to monitor the results of the speed humps on traffic speeds and traffic volume.
Understanding the critical urgency in which traffic calming measures were needed to be deployed, we were able to add an additional street to our list for speed hump installations this year bringing our total to five. The remaining three eligible streets that will not have speed humps installed this fall (Ada St, Norway Ave, and Clay St) will be considered for work next year along with other potential candidates.
City Wide Traffic Calming
We know that there are many areas throughout the City that could use traffic calming. City staff are currently working on developing a process to efficiently and effectively take in and address resident traffic calming requests.
WHO’S WORKING ON THIS PROJECT
Public Services Department, Community Planning & Economic Development Department, Residents
For questions or concerns please call us at 311 or 269-337-8000
PLAN ALIGNMENT
Strategic Vision: Connected City, Safe Community
Goal: Evaluate built environment policies and practices that affect public health, separate the city through infrastructure barriers, and affect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Goal: Street design should respond to land use and become safe for all users toward no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic.
METRICS
Change in traffic speeds
Change in traffic volume
Number of chicanes installed
Satisfaction/comfort levels expressed on a preference survey
BUDGET
$30,000
FUNDING SOURCE