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Vertical Elements Median Barrier <br />Purpose <br />A physical means for preventing left turning traffic on <br />a major street from accessing a local street and <br />through traffic from continuing on that local street. <br />Alternate routes fro diverted traffic should be <br />analyzed with regard to traffic carrying capacity and <br />desirability. <br />Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers <br />Traffic Calming: State of Practice <br />Effects <br />Volumes <br />Vary depending on proportion of traffic that is prohibited by the median barrier <br />Speed <br />Small reduction possible <br />Traffic Noise and Air <br />Little or no effect <br />Traffic Safety <br />May provide some safety benefits for pedestrians as a safety island for crossing <br />the major street <br />Advantages <br />• Assists in pedestrian crossing <br />• Prevents vehicles from passing vehicles that are turning right <br />• May improve safety through access limitations <br />• Visually enhances the street <br />Disadvantages <br />• Diversion of traffic to other locations possible <br />• Disrupts continuity of local street system <br />• Maintenance of island required <br />• Reduction in access for residents <br />Problems Targeted <br />• Cut through traffic <br />• Vehicle conflicts <br />Design <br />• Must meet drainage requirements <br />• Must not significantly impede emergency vehicle access <br />APRIL 2005 31 <br />