Roadway Narrowings

Description
Roadway narrowings are used to control and constrict vehicle travel paths to encourage slower speeds. The lane width can be reduced, with excess asphalt then striped with a bicycle lane or paved shoulder; these treatments make the driving area appear to be narrow without adding curbing to physically narrow the roadway. The street can also be physically narrowed by extending sidewalks and providing landscaped areas.

Issues Addressed

  • Speeding
  • Pedestrian and bicycle safety


Applications

  • Local collector, collector, arterial
  • Streets adjacent to or near schools

Advantages 

  • Increases pedestrian and bicycle safety
  • Self enforcing


Disadvantages

  • May not result in significant speed reduction when not used in conjunction with other devices
  • May leave excess asphalt to right of roadway, negating effect of visual narrowing


Evaluation Considerations

  • Need to determine whether narrowing may significantly divert traffic to surrounding streets.

Design/Installation Considerations

  • Minimum lane width, as determined by city, must be maintained.
  • Colored slurry can be used designate bicycle path for added visibility and delineation.
  • Excess asphalt to right of bike lane may negate effectiveness.


10' lane on Springer Ave

 


Pathway, landscaping on Berry Ave


Use of colored asphalt to designate bicycle lane and narrow vehicle lane.