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CHICANES
Chicanes
can result in reduced speeds due to curved travel paths
Click
here to view a standard layout for a Chicane
Chicanes are
curb extensions or islands that alternate from one side of the
street to the other, forming S-shaped curves.
They are appropriate for mid-block locations only. Most effective
with equivalent volumes on both approaches. Typically consist
of a series of at least three curb extensions. Can use on-street
parking to create chicane. European manuals recommend shifts in
alignment of at least one lane width, deflection angles of at
least 45 degrees, and center islands to prevent drivers from taking
a straight "racing line" through the feature.
Chicanes may also be called deviations, serpentines, reversing
curves, twists, and staggerings.
(Source www.ite.org)
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Temporary
Installation
Temporary Chicane
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Permanent
Installation
Seattle, WA |
PROS
1.
Volume and speed reduction possible.
2. Self-enforcing.
3. Provides opportunity for roadway beautification.
4. Can be landscaped.
5. Can be a "Gateway" feature.
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CONS
1.
Must be designed to avoid drivers encroaching over center
line.
2.
Can affect street sweeping.
3. Parking can be affected.
4. Driveway access can be affected.
5. Potential Pedestrian/Bike/Car conflicts.
6. Potential for head-on collision.
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Summary
of Effectiveness
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Volume
Reduction
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Yes
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Speed
Reduction
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Yes
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Safety
Improvement
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Yes
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-
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-
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Streets
to Use On – Collector, Local
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Local
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Use
on Bus Route
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With
Care
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Use
with Curbs and Gutters
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Yes
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Spot
or Area-wide Use
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Both
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-
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-
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Emergency
Service Access Issues
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Minimal
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Impacts
on Arterials
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Possible
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Change
in % Trucks
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Unknown
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Environmental
Changes
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Unknown
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-
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-
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Dependence
on Enforcement
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No
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Level
of Violation
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N/A
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-
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-
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Aesthetics
and Landscaping
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Possible
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