DRAFT

TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY

Resolution No. ____, _________, 2004

 

 

 

1.          TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES may include but are not limited to Traffic-Calming Circles, Speed Humps and Speed Cushions (see separate policy), Speed Tables, Partial Diverters, Full Diverters, Center Island Narrowing, Chokers, and Road Closures.  Note:  Roundabouts are traffic management devices, not traffic calming devices, and are not subject to this policy.

 

2.          TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES may be permitted on “local” streets as designated by the City’s Major Thoroughfares Map, and under any one of the following conditions:

 

A.      The 85th percentile speed of traffic is 5 mph or greater over the speed limit, or

B.       The 24-hour two-way traffic volume is greater than 1000, or

C.       Cut-through traffic comprises more than 50% of the traffic during the peak hour of the day.

 

3.          TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES may be permitted on “collector” and “arterial” streets, as designated by the City’s Major Thoroughfares Map, under any one of the following conditions:

 

A.      The 85th percentile speed of traffic is 5 mph or greater over the speed limit, or

B.       The 24-hour two-way traffic volume is greater than 3000, or

C.       Cut-through traffic comprises more than 50% of the traffic during the peak hour of the day, or

D.       More than 50% of the frontage of the roadway consists of residential lots with the houses facing the roadway in question.

 

4.          Traffic data will be collected with city personnel using city equipment only.  In the event that a requested location does not meet the minimum requirements as stated in 3 or 4 above, subsequent requests will not be considered for a minimum of one year.

 

5.          The Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Department, the Police Department, the Public Works Department and the Traffic Safety Commission must review all requests for TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES before being presented to the City Commission.

 

6.          If a project is recommended for approval by the Traffic Safety Commission and approved by the City Commission, the City Commission will determine financing of the construction.  The City Commission may require 0-100% of the costs to be paid by the individual, group or neighborhood making the request.

 

7.          TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES will only be constructed at a location if 70% or more of the property owners and residents within 300 feet measured along the centerline of the street in each direction approve of the installation or if directed by the City Commission.  The individual, group or neighborhood making the request shall be responsible for obtaining the property owners and residents approval and submitting it to the city.

 

8.         Once installed, TRAFFIC-CALMING DEVICES may only be removed at a location if more than 70% of the property owners and residents within 300 feet measured along the centerline of the street in each direction approve of the removal or if directed by the City Commission.  The individual, group or neighborhood making the request shall be responsible for obtaining the property owners and residents approval and submitting it to the city.

 

9.         TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES may initially be landscaped (if appropriate) by the city provided that the group or neighborhood making the request agrees in writing to maintain the landscaping.  No privately installed landscaping is permitted unless approved by the city in writing.