Traffic Calming Program

Traffic Calming is, according to The Institute of Transportation Engineers, "The combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users."

Our Goals

• Increase quality of life
• Include resident preferences and requirements
• Create safer and more attractive streets
• Reduce negative impacts of motor vehicles
• Promote alternative transportation modes

Our Objectives

• Achieve slower speeds for motor vehicles in residential areas
• Increase safety for non-motorized users of the street system
• Enhance the street environment
• Increase access for all modes of transportation
• Reduce or eliminate cut-through motor vehicle traffic

Residents can start the traffic calming process by requesting a traffic calming packet or by completing the online questionnaire and petition.

Once we receive the request, we check whether the street is eligible and conduct any needed studies—typically looking at traffic volume, speeds, and crash history. After the study is complete, we meet with residents to review the results and work together on a traffic calming plan. We use two types of tools:

Phase I: Education and Enforcement

Neighborhood awareness programs
Selective police patrols
Speed boards

Phase II: Engineering

Signs and pavement markings
Vertical deflections (speed humps, speed tables)
Horizontal deflections (traffic circles, chicanes)
Street narrowings (chokers, bulb-outs, center island narrowings)

We always start with Phase I tools. If they don’t solve the issue, we move to Phase II tools (these require approval from the Fire Department).

When a Phase II tool is selected, we send a postcard survey to residents. We can only move forward if at least 60% of households respond.

Approved Phase II projects are prioritized based on their benefits and cost. If a neighborhood later chooses to remove a completed project, residents must cover 100% of the removal costs.