Traffic Calming Program

The primary goal of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is to improve the livability and environment on neighborhood streets.  With that goal in mind, the following objectives were identified:

  • Provide solutions that improve livability along publicly owned neighborhood streets through the thoughtful implementation of a traffic management program, by properly controlling vehicular traffic and enhancing the safety and ability to walk and bicycle, while reducing accidents and maintaining emergency vehicle access.
  • Provide a means for residents to work together to seek solutions to neighborhood traffic concerns.
  • Provide a wide range of solutions to address neighborhood traffic management issues, including devices and street designs that accomplish the goals related to control of vehicular traffic, without creating adverse impacts to other key areas such as pedestrian and bicycle access, service provider activities, and maintenance.
  • Provide an equitable and objective process to evaluate neighborhood traffic calming requests.
  • Provide a process that incorporates the input of affected citizens, potentially affected citizens and service providers into the solution.
  • Develop a process based on engineering data and factual information.
  • Develop solutions that are maintainable after implementation and that minimize maintenance costs.

 

Traffic Study Process

Step 1 (REACHING OUT) – Fill out the traffic study request form and someone from public works will be in contact. Once a completed form is submitted public works will work with the resident on creating a map outlining the area of concern and identifying the best locations to collect traffic data. 

Step 2 (PETITION/AREA OF CONCERN) – A map of the area of concern and a petition will be provided to the resident who requested the traffic study. That resident will be responsible for collecting signatures from at least 50% of the properties located within the defined area of concern.

Step 3 (DATA COLLECTION) – After the petition is returned, traffic counters will be installed to collect data for a period of seven calendar days. These counters will record vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. This step may take up to 14 days to complete, allowing time to charge the counters and coordinate with Public Works staff for installation and removal.

Step 4 (REVIEWING DATA) – Several factors are considered when determining whether a traffic calming device is needed. These include traffic speed, traffic volume, accident history, proximity to schools or parks, and pedestrian facilities. A scoring system is used to evaluate these factors and help determine the need for traffic calming measures:

Scoring System

  • Traffic Speeds or Volumes: The greater of the following two scores:
    • Speed: Using 85th percentile speed, assign 4 points for each MPH over the posted speed limit. A 40-point maximum equates to 10 MPH over the posted speed limit.   OR.....
    • Volume: Number of vehicles in a 24-hour period divided by 50. Maximum score of 30 points equates to 1,500 vehicles per day. A score of zero will be assigned for collectors and residential minor arterials since these streets are, by definition, intended to carry through traffic.
  • Accidents: For a single intersection, assign 5 points for each correctable accident in a consecutive three-year period. Maximum score of 30 points. For a street segment, assign 5 points for each correctable accident in a consecutive three-year period at the worst intersection or link. Maximum of 30 points.
  • Schools: Assign 5 points for each public or private (K-12 school only) on the subject street.
  • Pedestrian Facilities: Assign five points for each public facility (parks, community centers, elderly housing, etc.) on the project street.
  • Streets Without Sidewalks: Assign 5 points if there is no continuous sidewalk or suitable pedestrian facility on at least one side of the project street.

Projects must achieve a minimum score of 30 points to proceed to Step 5.  If the project fails to score at least 30 points and the program manager determines that a problem does not exist a letter will be sent out with a summary of the data collected and how the project was scored based on the factors listed above.

Step 5 (IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS) – Public Works will work with the City Traffic Engineer to identify the most practical and effective solutions to address the traffic concerns. When looking at potential options factors such as emergency vehicle access, transportation system connectivity, cost-effectiveness, maintenance needs, and impacts on nearby local streets will all be considered. Possible solutions may include traffic calming measures such as:

  • Chicanes
  • Curb extensions
  • Median barriers
  • Rumble strips
  • Speed humps
  • Traffic circles

Step 6 (SCHEDULE/CONSTRUCTION) – Public Works will coordinate with the City Traffic Engineer to develop a cost estimate for the proposed solutions identified in Step 5. Based on the estimated costs and available budget, a schedule will be created for the design and construction of the selected solution(s). The finalized solution(s) and project schedule will then be shared with the Sandy resident who initiated the traffic study.

Step 7 (POST CONSTRUCITON EVALUATION) – After at least six months, the City will collect new data to evaluate how the traffic calming device has impacted the area. This data will be compared to the original data to determine how effective the device has been. The results will help respond to citizen inquiries about specific projects and guide future use of traffic calming measures.

 

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