Transportation System Plan 2018-2038

Table 8-3 Summary of Potential Traffic Calming Techniques Type of Traffic Calming Technique Description Marking bike lanes narrows traffic lanes. Channelization islands A raised island that forces traffic in a particular direction, such as right-turn-only. Chicanes Curb bulges or planters (usually 3) on alternating sides, forcing motorists to slow down. Curb extensions “pinch points” Curb extensions, planters, or centerline traffic islands that narrow traffic lanes to control traffic and reduce pedestrian crossing distances. Also called “chokers.” Horizontal shifts Lane centerli ne that curves or shifts. Raised island in the road center (median) narrows lanes and provides pedestrian with a safe place to stop. street design Pavement treatments Low bumps across road make noise when driven over. Street Trees Median island Mini-c ircles/traffic circles Small traffic circles at inters ections . Thes e differ from “roundabouts” based on their size, purpose, and design speeds. “Neotraditional” Streets with narrower lanes, shorter blocks, T-intersections, and other design features to control traffic speed and volumes . Special pavement textures (cobbles, bricks, etc.) and markings to designate special areas. Perceptual Design Features Patterns painted into road surfaces and other perceptual design features that encour age drivers to reduce their speeds. “Road diets” Reducing the number and width of traffic lanes. Roundabouts Medium to large circles at intersections Rumble Strips Semi-diverters, partial closures Restrict entry /exit to/from neighborhood. Limit traffic flow at inters ections . Speed humps Curved 7-10 cm high, 3-4 m long hump. Speed tables, raised crosswalks Ramped surface above roadway, 7-10 cm high, 3-6 m long. Street closures Closing off streets to th rough vehicle traffic at intersections or midblock Planting trees along a st reet to create a sense of enclosure and improve the pedestrian environment. Traffic speed reduction programs Increased enforcement of speeding violations. Woonerf Streets with mixed vehicle and pedestrian traffic, where motorists are required to drive at very low speeds. Bike lanes In addition to the traffic m anagem ent effects of tr affic calm ing devices, m any also have benefits for creating a more pedestrian-friendly environm ent. Som e of the traffic calm ing strategies that are particularly effective in enhanci ng pedestrian circulation include: • • Pedestrian Refuges provide a place of refuge when crossing the street. It perm its crossing one direction of traffic at a tim e. Curb Extensions reduce crossing distance and increase crossing opportunities by perm itting use of shorter gaps in traffic. Medford Transportatio n System Pl an 8-6 Public Transportation Plan