Curb Extensions: Chicanes
Chicanes are mid-block curb extensions that alternate from one side of the street to the other, forming S-shaped curves. This measure should be only used on residential roadways with less than 500 vehicles per day if reducing the street width to only one lane.
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Advantages
- Narrows the roadway which may cause motorists to reduce their operating speeds and may reduce volume
- Reduces impervious cover and has a positive environmental impact
Disadvantages
- Curb realignment and landscaping may be costly
- Some on-street parking may be eliminated
- Bicyclists may briefly have to merge with vehicular traffic
- Local street drainage may be impacted
Eligibility Considerations
- Residential street with a lawful speed limit of 30 mph
- Operating speeds of 35 mph or greater
- No more than one travel lane in each direction
- Signs and vegetation must conform to the Clear Vision Area ordinance
- Neighborhood Association Landscape Maintenance Agreement required if landscaping is included
| Reduced Speed |  |
Reduced Volume |  |
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| Enhanced Safety |  |
Maintenance | |
