- What is a curb extension?
- Why are corner radius reductions used?
- What is the purpose of a raised crosswalk?
- When are raised median islands used?
- Why are road/intersection realignments constructed?
- What are speed humps designed to do?
- When are speed tables used?
- What is a speed cushion?
- How do traffic circles work in residential areas?
- How is signage used to control traffic?
- What is a Limit Your Speed Board?
1. What is a curb extension?
Curb extensions are typically a reconstruction of the sidewalk to extend into the roadway, resulting in a narrower roadway width. They can be placed at intersections or at mid-block locations.
Curb extension improve pedestrian crossings by:
- Shortening the crossing distance across an intersection.
- Providing motorists with improved visibility of pedestrians.
- Eliminating driving in the parking lane.
- Helping to reduce speeds by narrowing the roadway.
2. Why are curb radius reductions used?
Corner radius reductions are primarily pedestrian safety measures. A corner radius reduction is used to:
- Expand an intersection corner to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians.
- Improve motorist visibility of pedestrians.
- Reduce the speeds of turning vehicles, which will reduce the likelihood and consequences of a collision with a pedestrian.
3. What is the purpose of a raised crosswalk?
A raised crosswalk is asphalt raised approximately 80 mm. It has a two-fold purpose:
- To reduce vehicle speed, much like a speed table.
- To create a safer crossing environment for pedestrians by improving the visibility of the crosswalk and pedestrians to motorists.
4. When are raised median islands used?
Raised median islands are used at intersections for various reasons:
- To provide pedestrians with a safe place to stop halfway across the intersection.
- To reduce the crossing distance.
- To keep vehicles in the appropriate travel lane.
- To help reduce vehicle speeds.
5. Why are road/intersection realignments constructed?
Road/intersection realignments are constructed to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.
6. What are speed humps designed to do?
A speed hump is a paved mound raised approximately 80 mm and is the same width as the street.
It is designed to reduce mid-block speeds to approximately 30 km/h. It is a gentle transition for slower moving vehicles, but is uncomfortable for faster moving vehicles.
7. When are speed tables used?
Speed tables are similar to speed humps, but also include an elevated flat area similar to a raised crosswalk. The speed table has the same function as a speed hump, but is used in 50 km/h speed zones.
8. What is a speed cushion?
Speed cushions are similar to speed humps but do not extend the full width of the road. They are used on roadways with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h. Speed cushions provide an opening designed for vehicles with a wide wheel base, such as Transit buses and Fire trucks, so they may pass through with minimal disruption.
9. How do traffic circles work in residential areas?
Traffic circles are raised islands at residential street intersections. They require all traffic to drive counter clockwise around a centre island. The design of traffic circles slow vehicles to approximately 25 km/h to 30 km/h when driving through the intersection. As a result, the frequency and severity of collisions at an intersection is reduced.
10. How is signage used to control traffic?
Signage is used to control traffic by alerting motorists of traffic-calmed neighbourhoods, restricting turns, prohibiting through traffic and incorporating one-ways.
11. What is a Limit Your Speed Board?
Limit Your Speed Boards are permanent signs which use a radar detection system that is activated by speeding vehicles.
When a vehicle is travelling within the speed limit, the sign does not show the vehicle speed and the sign remains blank.
When a vehicle is speeding, the radar system is used to detect the speed and the sign displays flashing lights, the speed limit and a message to slow down.
