The Town of Innisfil had experienced rapid population growth and was concerned about traffic safety.
The Town of Innisfil’s new traffic calming strategy and policy update were driven by the safety of residents and visitors. The strategy and policy included a design guide, pilot project, 10-year traffic calming program, communication plan and traffic calming policy update.
The goal for the traffic calming strategy was to develop actionable tasks to reduce traffic speeds, provide safe pedestrian and cyclist-friendly routes, promote active transportation and promote placemaking. The strategy incorporated pilot studies to assess existing measures, program policies, proven techniques, forward-thinking approaches and the role data plays in the implementation of new measures to meet a community’s needs.
The assessment and warrant options considered innovation and longevity. The team determined approaches that combined elevated data utilization for site selection and applicable physical calming measures to reduce overall speed, while incorporating the opportunity for future innovation.
EXP executed a three-location pilot study to test the efficacy of various traffic calming measures. At three locations, the traffic calming measures varied from a raised pedestrian crosswalk, lane narrowing, speed cushions, road markings, chicanes with barrier curbs and on-road signage and delineators. Data was used to set the framework – creating an environment where probability could be measured and recurrence and reduction in speed and potential collisions assessed to develop the best course of action. The pilot project’s results determined vertical and horizontal measures in a multi-tiered approach were most effective in reducing speeds and a serve as proactive measure for long-term success.
The implementation of traffic calming measures has a significant impact on communities. Design decisions associated with mobility can affect safety, aesthetics, noise, agriculture, connectivity, fuel consumption and equity across all modes of transportation. Feedback from community members was critical to the project’s success. The vision is to improve roadway safety and incorporate the program’s fundamental calming concepts into the Town’s initiatives and regional transportation programs.
Services
Transportation Planning, Traffic Engineering