Speed Humps

Purpose

Traffic tables, Speed Bumps, Speed humps, Speed Cushions, and more are meant to be a physical traffic control measure to slow vehicles.

Description

Speed Humps are what you most commonly see on residential roads, and are more gradual, occasionally with a small flat surface on top. Speed Bumps are much steeper and are meant to be placed in significantly lower speed areas, such as parking lots. Traffic tables are speed humps with extended lengths, creating an extended flat surface and reinforcing the slowing effect.

Speed Cushions are shown in the picture on the right. They are alike to Speed Humps, but are often have an extended flat surface and include cutouts to allow emergency vehicles to pass through without significant slowing .

Local Examples

• W. Bramere Rd.
• Mountain View Rd.

Bulb-Outs (Curb Extensions)

Purpose

Wide roadways can create difficult crossing situations for pedestrians. Not only do pedestrians need more time to cross the roadway, but the roadway width encourages motorists to speed or take turns quickly. Curb extensions, (also called bulb-outs) improve safety because they increase visibility, reduce speed of turning vehicles, encourage pedestrians to cross at designated locations, shorten the crossing distance, and prevent vehicles from parking at corners.

Local Examples

• Hyde Park (13th St. between Brumback and Alturas)
• Downtown Meridian (Main St. & Pine, / Surrounding areas)

Radar Speed Feedback Signs

Purpose

Speed detection signs inform a driver of their speed, which in turn reminds them of the consequences of speeding (via flashing), and encourages a reduced speed. Excessive automobile speeds increase the risk to pedestrians and all road users.

Speed-monitoring trailers and signs can enhance enforcement efforts through public education and awareness without requiring a law enforcement presence.

Local Examples

• Hill Rd. between Harrison Blvd and Sunset Ave.
• E. State Street next to N. Palmetto Ave (Downtown Eagle)

Mini-Roundabout

Purpose

Mini-roundabouts are traffic calming devices used to reduce speeds and manage traffic at intersections where volumes do not warrant a stop sign or a signal. This measure has been proven to effectively reduce crash problems at the intersection of two local streets.

They are meant to be an addition to local roadways with lower speeds and are not meant to replace a signalized intersection. They have a single lane, while roundabout can have 2 or more lanes dedicated to certain turn directions

Local Examples

• Crescent Rim Dr. / Eastover Terr.

Road Narrowing / Chicanes

Purpose

Road Narrowing is designed to slow vehicles at a mid-point along the street. Chicanes are a horizontal traffic control measure used to reduce vehicle speeds on local streets. They force drivers to navigate in an S-type movement, breaking sightlines and making two cars passing at the same time challenging.

Local Examples

• Chicane:
  • Intersection of Irene St. and 23rd near Elm Grove Park
• Road narrowing:
  • 8th St. between Broad St. and Myrtle
  • 13th St/ Hyde park

Raised Medians

Purpose

Raised medians separate opposing streams of traffic and restrict turning movements. They can facilitate specific pedestrian crossings, improve pedestrian visibility to motorists, and slow vehicle speeds.

Local Examples

• Whitewater park Blvd.
• Sections of Eagle Rd.

Diverters

Purpose

Diverters are meant to prevent traffic from taking certain routes and can be used to reduce traffic numbers or to encourage a change in traffic patterns.

These barriers redirect traffic heading for a certain street onto a different course, reducing vehicle overload on low-volume streets.

Local Examples

• Intersection of West Bramere Rd. and Curling Dr.

School Zone Flashers

Purpose

School zone flashing lights provide a very clear and distinct indication of reduced speed limit, with the warning signal within the vicinity of a school

Local Examples

• 36th St and 35th St, by Taft Elementary School
• Cloverdale Rd, between Chinden Blvd. and McMillan Rd, by Joplin Elementary & Centennial High School

Road Diet

Purpose

Lane reductions (also called road diets) optimize street space to benefit all users. Lane reductions help improve safety and comfort for pedestrians as well as bicyclists. Reducing the number of lanes on a multilane roadway can reduce crossing distance and exposure for pedestrians while also reducing vehicle speeds. Road diets also improve sight distances for left-turning vehicles.

Local Examples

• 27th St between Main St. /State St.
• Emerald St. between Cole / Latah