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CURB
EXTENSIONS
"Curb
Extensions" is a group term, which can apply to chokers and
slow points, semi-diverters, and bulb-outs. The term is most often
used at pedestrian crossings - both at intersections and mid-block,
where the extension of the curb into the roadway narrows the distance
between curbs and improves the pedestrian environment. Visibility
is also improved for both pedestrians and drivers.
At intersections
they can be used to control traffic flow by preventing vehicles
from passing turning vehicles. Landscaping can be applied to the
extended curb. However, some parking may be lost and bike lanes
may need to be terminated prior to the extension.
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Temporary
Installation
Culver City, CA
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Permanent
Installation
Manhattan Beach, CA |
PROS
1.
Creates more pedestrian friendly intersection.
2. Reduces pedestrian crossing distances.
3. Reduces speeds at location if travel lanes reduced
sufficiently.
4. Widely used traffic calming measure.
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CONS
1.
Can be expensive if landscaped.
2. May affect buses or larger vehicles if intersection
radii are tightened.
3. Require maintenance.
4. Tend to collect or trap trash.
5. Interfere with established drainage patterns.
6. Place pedestrians close to travel way.
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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
(Slight)
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Safety
Improvement
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Yes
(Peds)
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-
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-
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Streets
to Use On – Collector, Local
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Local/Collector
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Use
on Bus Route
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Yes
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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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Spot
|
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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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Minimal
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Change
in % Trucks
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Unknown
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Environmental
Changes
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No
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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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Yes
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