Traffic calming measures

These strategies are designed to slow down drivers and reduce their speeds.

• Narrowed Travel Lanes

  West Mississippi Avenue received a new asphalt surface this year. This allowed the city to install new striping that makes the travel lanes 11-feet in width.

• Speed Cushions

  Speed cushions are similar in shape and size to speed humps, but they include small gaps called “cutouts” that allow wider‑tracked vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, some trucks, and some buses, to pass through without being affected. Passenger vehicles, however, must still travel over the raised portion. Like a traditional speed hump, speed cushions are designed to be comfortable to drive over at around 20–25 mph. They are often preferred on primary emergency response routes or transit routes where a traditional speed hump may not be feasible.
  
  Six speed cushions will be installed between Pierce and Sheridan. The speed cushions will include wheel slots to allow West Metro Fire vehicles to travel through this segment without having to slow down significantly, resulting in minimal impact to the fire response. West Metro Fire has reviewed and approved the design for this pilot project.
  • Watch the speed cushion video to learn more.
    
    

• Median Islands

  Four median islands will be installed along the street’s centerline that visually narrow the roadway. Using vertical posts to delineate the island, the visual appearance of the lane narrows to encourage motorists to slow down. Vehicles will still be able to turn left at intersections.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings

  Two crossings, one at Marshall and one at Depew streets, will be installed to create greater safety for cyclists and pedestrians crossing West Mississippi by using median islands to provide a pedestrian refuge in the middle of the street.