Agenda - Council - 08/13/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHOKERS CHAPTER 18 A choker is a narrowing of the street, either at an intersection or at midblock, to constrain the width of the traveled way. Chokers may consist of curb bulbs or median islands. Effects Volumes. Little or no effect if the same num- ber of travel lanes are retained for both the before and after situation. Significant reduc- tions may occur if narrowing limits use of section to one direction at a time or reduces capacity of an already congested street. Speed. Little or no effect. Traffic Noise, Air Quality and Energy Con- sumption. Little or no effect. Traffic Safety. Possib~ty of improved pedestrian safety due to improved visibility of crossing point and to shorter street crossing time. Possibility of improved vehicular safety at intersections due to physical parking limitations. Community Reaction. Generally positive. Residents feel safer crossing the street at the choker and feel the choker provides some "protection" for vehicles parked on-street. Cost' Cost per installation for typical street with concrete curb and gutter is approximately $5,000.00. Cost can vary significantly depending upon the need for adjustments to drainage facilities, the type of sidewalk/boulevard material used, and the amount and type of landscaping/pedestrian amenities provided. Addiffonal Considerations The chokers can provide landscapipg oppor- tunities and def~ition of neighborhood entry which help enhance the aesthetics of the neighborhood. D. T. Smith, Jr., and D. Appleyard, "Improving the Residential Street Environrnent~~ Report No. FHWA/RD-81/031~ Federal High- way Administration, Washington, D.C., May 1981. Residential St -- Neighborhood Traffic Control January 1994