Agenda - Council - 11/12/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHOKERS ? CHAPTER 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. Littlel or no effect if the same num- ber of travel lafles are retained for both the before and affe~ situation. Significant reduc- tions may occult ff narrowing limits use of section to one direction at a time or reduces capacity of an already congested street. Spee& Little orino effect. Traffic Noise, Air Quality and Energy Con- sumption. Little or no effect. Traffic Safety. Possibility of improved pedestrian safety due to/mproved visibility of cross/ng point and to shorter street crossing time. Possibil~ 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 vel'fides 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. Additional Considerations The chokers can provide landscap~g oppor- t-unities and definition of neighborhood entry which help enhance the aesthetics of the ne!ghborhood. D. T. Smith, Jr., and D. Appleyardt "Improving the Re~identlal Street Env[ronmentt" Report No. FHWA/RI2t-81d031, Federal High- way Administration, Washington, D.C., May 1981. -- Residential St -- Neighborhood Traffic Control January 1994 18-1