Traffic calming incorporates engineering design and management strategies that balance vehicular traffic on streets with other uses. Engineers explore and implement traffic calming techniques that lessen the impact of motor vehicle traffic by slowing it down, or literally "calming" it. The goals of traffic calming projects may include:
- Enhancing quality of life
- Creating safe and attractive streets
- Promoting pedestrian, cycle and transit use
- Helping to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicles on the environment
These goals are meant to achieve safer roads through slower speeds with fewer accidents. Besides positively influencing the livability of a particular location, traffic calming techniques can be applied inexpensively. When combined with other small-scale improvements, traffic calming projects can immediately enhance a neighborhood or corridor while being tested and refined to meet long-term needs. These strategies may be employed by painting lines, colors and patterns on the road, eliminating or adding parking, or installing sidewalk extensions or similar structures. Regardless of what traffic-calming action is undertaken, the benefit to a community is greater when the technical improvements are strengthened by visual enhancements like trees, flowers and other amenities.
The City of Saint Charles Engineering Department has completed traffic calming projects along Boschertown Road, New Town Boulevard, Elm Street and within the Charlestowne development. The City code even reflects traffic calming. Section 405.150 requires that developers incorporate traffic calming measures within a new development. Example projects include: landscaped curb bump outs which narrow driving lanes, islands, road realignments, signalized crossings to enhance pedestrian safety, streets trees and feedback signs. All of these help create a safe and attractive street for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
To begin the process, a group of citizens representing 10 or more separate households from a given neighborhood (subdivision) submits a letter to Public Works expressing their interest in improving traffic conditions in their neighborhood. The letter should describe, as completely as possible, the location and details of the types of traffic problems perceived. This letter must be sent to the Councilperson representing the ward in which this subdivision/traffic neighborhood is located.
Once the request has been received, the Department of Engineering will schedule a meeting in the neighborhood. At that meeting, Engineering staff will explain available traffic management strategies, as listed in Attachment 2, and listen to opinions about traffic problems from the neighborhood.
Traffic calming devices are separated into three categories: speed reduction, volume reduction and other traffic management strategies.
Traffic Calming Policy (PDF)
Traffic Calming Request (Survey123)