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MEDIAN
BARRIERS
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Median barriers
are islands located along the center of a street, which extend
through intersections and thereby restrict vehicular movements
across the intersection.
They can be used to address cut-through traffic or excessive volumes
on residential streets. However, they inevitably result in changes
to travel patterns which can shift problems elsewhere. They also
may cause inconvenience to residents and delays to emergency response
vehicles. Breaks for pedestrians or cyclists can be provided.
Also called median diverters, or island diverters.
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Temporary
Installation
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Permanent
Installation
Baldwin Park, CA |
PROS
1.
An effective tool for reducing traffic volumes.
2. Can be used to prevent cut-through traffic.
3. Can be landscaped for enhanced aesthetics.
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CONS
1.
May cause inconvenience for residents
2. Emergency response agencies may not approve.
3. May transfer problems elsewhere.
4. Permanent versions may be expensive.
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Summary
of Effectiveness
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Volume
Reduction
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Yes
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Speed
Reduction
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No
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Safety
Improvement
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Possible
|
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-
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-
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Streets
to Use On – Collector, Local
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Local/Collector
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Use
on Bus Route
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Yes
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Use
with Curbs and Gutters
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Yes
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Spot
or Area-wide Use
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Spot/Area
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-
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-
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Emergency
Service Access Issues
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Yes
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Impacts
on Arterials
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Likely
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Change
in % Trucks
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Unknown
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Environmental
Changes
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No
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-
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-
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Dependence
on Enforcement
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No
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Level
of Violation
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None
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-
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-
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Aesthetics
and Landscaping
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Possible
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