Agenda - Council - 10/08/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STREET NARROWING CHAPTER L,~. Old Curb Line ~/___/~ ~ , ~ New Curb Line .~\ Pavea'nent Markings ,///,/////_///////////////.2/////,//////./~. Street narrowing involves the reduction of the typical pavement width along a roadway. The narrowing can be achieved physically by removing part of the pavement surface or psychologically by using pavement markings that indicate narrow travel lanes. Effects Volumes. Little or no effect. Spec& Minimal changes. Most studies have shown actual speed changes in the range of one to two mph, both positive and negative. Traffic Noise, Air Quality and Energy Con- snmption. Little or no effect. Trhffic Safety. Minimal effect on overall acci- dent experience. There is the possibility of improved pedestrian safety due to shorter street crossing times, but there is also the pos- sibildty of reduced pedestrian safety if there hre many parked cars which obscure the vis/on of drivers. Bicycle safety may be com- promised by physically removing part of the pavement surface. It should be noted that the studies did not involve any pavement widths narrower than 22 feet nor any travel lanes narrower than nine feet wide. Narrowing roadways to less than 22 feet 'wide and narrowing travel lane widths to less than nine feet may have adverse traffic safety impacts. Community Reaction. Mixed. Most residents feel safer due' to the narrower street. Loss of pavement width has resulted in on-street parking being prohibited and the loss of on- street parking has caused some hardship and inconvenience for residents. Cost Costs can vary considerably. PhysicaLly nar- rowing the street may be very expensive ($50.00 per lineal foot) if concrete curb and gutter must be replaced and extensive landscaping is involved. Narrowing the street by the use of pavement markings is relatively inexpensive ($0.20 per lineal foot). Additional Considerations Typically, physical narrowing.of the street ~ accompanied by street beautification programs which provide landscaping, wider sidewalks, or other amenities along the street. These amenities are generally perceived as having a positive effect on the neighborhood. Neighborhood Traffic Control January199~ 7-1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I