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Mid-Block Narrowing <br />Roadway Adjustments <br />Purpose <br />Segment(s) of roadway narrowing where curbs are <br />extended toward the center of the roadway on one or <br />both sides of the street to constrain the width of the <br />traveled way. They provide shorter pedestrian crossing <br />distances and provide protection to the beginning of a <br />parking lane. The driver also senses theroadway <br />narrowing when approaching one of these measures, <br />which can result in speed reduction. <br />Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers <br />Traffic Calming: State of Practice <br />Effects <br />Volumes <br />Little or no effect. <br />Speed <br />Minimal changes. <br />Traffic Noise and Air <br />Little or no effect. <br />Traffic Safety <br />Potential for improved pedestrian safety due to shorter street crossing <br />times, but at the same time bicycle safety may be compromised by <br />physically removing part of the pavement surface. <br />Advantages <br />• Good forpedestrians due to shorter crossing distance. <br />• Provides space for landscaping. <br />• Does not affect emergency response time. <br />• Minimal inconvenience to drivers. <br />Disadvantages <br />• May require the prohibition of on-street parking causing hardship or <br />inconvenience for residents. <br />• May create drainage issues where curb and gutter exist. <br />• May create diversion for bicyclists. <br />Problems Targeted <br />• Mid-block locations with speeding and/or cut-through traffic. <br />Design <br />• Must not significantly impede emergency vehicle access. <br />•Drainage structures must be relocated to fit into new curb line. <br /> <br />