Chicanes

Description:

A curb or striped extension into the roadway that narrows the street forming S-shaped travel path. Chicanes involve staggered placement of chokers on both sides of the road, creating a meandering street. Chicanes can increase the amount of public space available on a corridor and can be activated using benches, bicycle parking, landscaping, and other amenities.

Advantages:

    Potential for reduction in midblock travel speeds by between 3 to 9 mph, according to FHWA.

    Can discourage cut-through traffic.

    Provides opportunity for landscaping.

    Enhances street aesthetic.

Disadvantages:

    May result in removal of parking.

    Higher design and construction costs.

    Implementation must be coordinated with the local fire department as it may impact emergency vehicle response time.

    Presents a fixed object within travel-way, thus not recommended for foggy environments or where snow may regularly occur.

    May impact drainage.

Suitable:

    Wide residential streets.

    Streets with persistent speeding concerns.