Denver will be seeing a lot more of these projects popping up in the next few years, including some street elements that are completely new to the city. We’ve been looking at some of the designs proposed through the Community Transportation Network initiative and are excited to highlight a few this week.
The City is currently seeking input on proposed street design changes that are part of the Community Transportation Networks initiative. Here are just a few of the proposed designs that we are particularly excited about, and hope that you will support too.
Slowing speeds
“Vertical” traffic calming – such as speed cushions and raised crosswalks – is an effective way to reinforce safe speeds but has never been used in Denver before. Now the City is proposing to add these features to several corridors, along with other features that slow speeds by narrowing the street, such as mid-block pinch points.
Restricting Traffic on Local Streets
Another strategy relatively new to Denver is restricting vehicular traffic on local streets to better prioritize people walking and biking. Median traffic diverters force cars to turn off these streets while allowing people walking, rolling, and biking to still pass through. Some are combined with refuge islands to help people cross busier streets. Mini traffic circles also help deter car traffic and support other ways of using the street.
Better Visibility
Intersections tend to be where most crashes occur as people try to navigate in many different directions. Moving parking farther away from stop signs, known as “daylighting,” helps increase visibility for everyone traveling through an intersection. It is even more effective when combined with other treatments that slow traffic and alert drivers to people walking and biking.
Take a look at the projects coming to your neighborhood and provide your input on the City’s interactive online Story Map. (There is also a video tutorial on the DOTI YouTube page if you need some help with how to use the map.)