City of Cape Coral Traffic Calming City Council May 16, 2016 1
In This Presentation Why Traffic Calming? What is Traffic Calming? Examples Traffic Calming in the City of Cape Coral How to develop a Traffic Calming Program? Policy Development Planning and Public Input Program Development Funding What s Next? 2
Why? Concerns relating to traffic calming include: High volumes Excessive speeds Cut-through traffic Unique roadway geometry Regular vehicle conflicts (including pedestrians) May be related to local traffic, external traffic, or both. The negative perception of traffic issues can contribute to a reduced quality of life. 3
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What is Traffic Calming? Institute of Transportation Engineers Definition Traffic calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use and alter driver behavior and improve conditions for nonmotorized street users. 5
What is Traffic Calming? A neighborhood traffic calming plan typically includes two groups of measures that affect the behavior of motorists in different ways. Some measures calm traffic through combinations of vertical and horizontal deflections in the roadway. Other measures divert traffic, or restrict or prohibit certain movement. 6
Vertical Traffic Calming Examples Speed Humps Speed Tables Raised Intersections 7
Horizontal Traffic Calming Examples Traffic Circles Curb Extensions (Bulb-Out) Chicane Raised Medians 8
What is Traffic Calming? Purpose of traffic calming: Reduce vehicle speed Discourage through traffic Minimize conflicts between road users, including vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists Improve neighborhood environment Where is traffic calming used?: All sized urban communities Local residential streets 9
Traffic Calming Examples There is not one measure that will solve all problems. Each traffic calming measure has benefits and disadvantages. Access for law enforcement and other critical services must be maintained. Residential traffic calming cannot solve all traffic problems in residential areas. Residual effects of traffic calming may be experienced in other areas. This unintended consequence will shift concerns to other roadways. 10
Traffic Calming in Cape Coral The City of Cape Coral roadway network is unique compared to other cities: Our extensive canal system provides a natural physical barrier to reduce excessive vehicle speeds and cut-through traffic. Commercial development is generally located along major road corridors. Major arterial and collector roadways have good level of service compared to other cities and congestion is not a regular occurrence. Low crash rates on local residential roadways. 11
How? Traffic Calming Policy From the Florida Green Book Communities undertaking a traffic calming program shall have a procedure for planning which neighborhoods and roadways qualify for participation in the program. Specifics of these methods shall be developed by the local jurisdictions. 12
How? Traffic Calming Policy Development of a City traffic calming policy shall precede the development of a traffic calming program if it is supported. Additional resources would be required to implement a program including: Funding source Staff for program planning and implementation Staff for maintenance and operations Equipment for routine maintenance 13
How? Traffic Calming Policy A thorough, well documented, planning process should be conducted when developing a traffic calming policy and program. The documentation should address the need, the objectives, the alternatives considered, the effects and public consultation process. 14
How? Traffic Calming Policy Extensive public participation should be required as part of a traffic calming program including: Surveying residents to identify local support by those who will be impacted by traffic calming measures. Coordination with law enforcement, emergency services, schools and other essential services. Discuss funding options. 15
How? Traffic Calming Program A reasonable program includes: Documentation of the traffic problem Consideration of alternative traffic calming measures Selection of a measure with public input and significant resident participation Installing measures as indicated by a traffic engineering study and monitor efficacy Conducting follow-up performance evaluation 16
How? Traffic Calming Program Traffic calming measures should be: Installed only after a thorough traffic engineering analysis. Designed to currently accepted guidelines or standards such as the FDOT Green Book. Designed, signed and marked so that a motorist acting reasonably and exercising ordinary care would be able to readily perceive the intent of the measure and safely negotiate that area. 17
How? Traffic Calming Program Traffic Calming implementation should be: Designed, signed and marked to recognize the potential presence of children, elderly and disabled pedestrians and to ensure the device can be used safely by all users. Clearly and consistently signed and marked. Where possible, signs identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) should be used. Regularly maintained 18
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Funding of Traffic Calming Various funding mechanisms are currently being utilized by other agencies with traffic calming programs: Funding included in the budget specifically for traffic calming measures as requested by the public. Funding included in the budget (transportation funds, etc.) and evaluated and approved by the governing body on a case by case basis. Funding included in approved costs for capital improvement projects. 20
Funding of Traffic Calming Various funding mechanisms are currently being utilized by other agencies with traffic calming programs: Funding provided as part of a special assessment or MSBU for a specific district. Partial contribution by residents of residential districts requesting traffic calming. Full funding provided by residents. 21
What s Next? Should City Council wish to pursue the development of a traffic calming policy, the Public Works Department can outline the procedure and technical elements within a policy which will build an effective and comprehensive program. 22
QUESTIONS? 23