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Abstract: The main goal of the research described in this report was to evaluate countermeasures that agencies can use to reduce speeds as drivers enter rural communities located on high-speed roadways. The objectives of this study were as follows: - Identify and summarize countermeasures used to manage speeds in transition zones; - Demonstrate the effectiveness of countermeasures that are practical for high- to low-speed transition zones; - Acquire additional information about countermeasures that may show promise but lack sufficient evidence of effectiveness; - Develop an application toolbox to assist small communities in selecting appropriate transition zones and effective countermeasures for entrances to small rural communities. The team solicited small communities that were interested in participating in the Phase II study and several communities were also recommended. The treatments evaluated were selected by carefully considering traffic-calming treatments that have been used effectively in other countries for small rural communities, as well as the information gained from the first phase of the project. The treatments evaluated are as follows: - Transverse speed bars; - Colored entrance treatment; - Temporary island; - Radar-activated speed limit sign; - Speed feedback sign; The toolbox publication and four focused tech briefs also cover the results of this work.
Many rural communities have developed around highways or major county roads; as a result, the main street through small rural communities is often part of a high-speed rural highway. Highways and county roads are characterized by high speeds outside the city limits; they then transition into a reduced speed section through the rural community. Consequently, drivers passing through the community often enter at high speeds and maintain those speeds as they travel through the community. Traffic calming in small rural communities along major roadways is common in Europe, but the U.S. does not have experience with applying traffic-calming measures outside of major urban areas. The purpose of the project was to evaluate traffic-calming treatments on the major road through small Iowa communities using either single-measure low-cost or gateway treatments. The project was partially funded by the Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB). The focus of the IHRB portion was to evaluate single-measure, low-cost, traffic-calming measures that are appropriate to major roads through small communities. The research evaluated the use of two gateway treatments in Union and Roland; five single-measure treatments (speed table, on pavement "SLOW" markings, a driver speed feedback sign, tubular markers, and on-pavement entrance treatments) were evaluated in Gilbert, Slater, and Dexter.
This report summarizes an evaluation of the effects on speed of low-cost, traffic-calming treatments on main rural highways passing through small, rural communities in Iowa. The full report is entitled "Appropriate Traffic Calming Techniques for Small Iowa Communities."
This experiment was sponsored by the Low Cost Safety Improvements Pooled Fund Study. It focused on two areas: (1) advanced detection and speed reduction for curves in rural two lane roads at night and (2) traffic calming for small rural towns during the day. The experiment was conducted in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Driving Simulator (HDS). Speed reduction in curves yielded the following order of tested treatments (from best to worst): (1) post mounted delineators (PMDs) enhanced by streaming light emitting diode (LED) lights slowed drivers down the most (9 mi/h (14.5 km/h)); (2) standard PMDs slowed drivers down by 7 to 8 mi/h (11.3 to 12.9 km/h); and (3) edge lines slowed drivers down by 2 mi/h (3.2 km/h). The same order was obtained for increases in the distance at which drivers were able to identify either the direction or the severity of the curve ahead as follows: streaming LED PMDs increased detection distance the most (560 to 1,065 ft (171 to 325 m)); standard PMDs increased detection distance by 45 to 200 ft (13.7 to 61 m); and edge lines increased detection distance by zero to 25 ft (zero to 7.6 m). PMDs performed better than pavement markings. The streaming PMDs solution offered the greatest potential increase in recognition distance. Speed reduction in towns yielded the following order of tested treatments: (1) chicanes slowed drivers down the most by 4 to 9 mi/h (6.4 to 14.5 km/h); (2) parked cars on both sides of the road slowed drivers 4 mi/h (6.4 km/h); and (3) bulb outs resulted in only a small speed reduction of 1 mi/h (1.6 km/h) or none at all. In the case of towns, two low cost safety solutions are worthy of further study: (1) adding painted chicanes to town entrances and (2) providing for and encouraging parking in the town. The results of this experiment do not take into account other hazardous factors that exist in the real world. Therefore, field validation is recommended for most of the above findings.
TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 412: Speed Reduction Techniques for Rural High-to-Low Speed Transitions explores techniques for lowering traffic speeds in rural transition zones. Transition zones are those portions of high-speed roads that have lower posted speed limits as the roadway approaches a settlement.
Introductory technical guidance for civil engineers and highway managers interested in traffic calming strategies for small communities. This report focuses specifically on reducing high vehicle speed typical on cross-county highways to lower speed when the highway intersects small rural communities.
The primary objective of this toolbox is to summarize various known traffic-calming treatments and their effectiveness. This toolbox focuses on roadway-based treatments for speed management, particularly for rural communities with transition zones. Education, enforcement, and policy strategies should also be considered, but are not the focus of this toolbox. The research team identified treatments based on their own research, a review of the literature, and discussion with other professionals. This toolbox describes each treatment and summarizes placement, advantages, disadvantages, effectiveness, appropriateness, and cost for each treatment. The categories of treatments covered in this toolbox are as follows: horizontal physical displacement, vertical physical displacement, narrowing, surroundings, pavement markings, traffic control signs, and other strategies.
"TRBs National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 737: Design Guidance for High-Speed to Low-Speed Transitions Zones for Rural Highways presents guidance for designing the transition from a high-speed rural highway to a lower-speed section, typically approaching a small town. The report includes a methodology for assessing these highway sections and a catalog of potential treatments for addressing problems."--Publisher's description.
Traffic calming promises to be an important tool for improving the quality of life in American cities. It slows down or diverts automobiles so that streets are safe and inviting to pedestrians, bicyclists, and children at play. Traffic calming also makes drivers aware that they are sharing street space with other users. Used successfully in Europe, traffic calming is now being considered by many U.S. cities. This report examines the myths of traditional traffic planning and how such planning must change to provide safer streets. It describes basic traffic calming principles and techniques and examines their effects on traffic volume and speed in neighborhoods. This report also shows how to avoid the pitfalls some communities have experienced in integrating traffic calming into their planning programs.