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Get Started Studio | Hartford Road Diet
Description of Problem: The 4-lane road shown above is in a semi-rural suburban area with very narrow lanes. Speeds are relatively high and crashes are frequent. Part of the problem is that just up the street, the road passes through a residential neighborhood. Residents entering and leaving their driveways are often caught in a dangerous situation. And, of course, the road is difficult for pedestrians to cross because of the multiple lanes and higher speeds. In addition, the photo above shows how close to the curb motorists in the right lane must drive. This makes it more dangerous for bicyclists to use the to use the right lane, even though it is allowed. Problem Statement: How can this 4-lane road be modified to lower traffic speeds and still carry an appreciable amount of traffic? Hartford Road Diet Ideas
A Road Diet (Cost Estimate: Costs vary widely depending on treatments and changes needed.) The photo of a suggested treatment shows the result of what has become known as a "road diet." The four lanes have been reduced to two, and the center of the road has raised medians and turn bays where appropriate. On the right, a striped shoulder gives bicyclists space to ride. "Road diet" treatments are becoming more popular across the country, and the studies are showing good results. Often, traffic speeds go down and crashes are less frequent, as well. Road diets can be controversial, so it's important to do the background research before attempting to create one. The State of Iowa has done quite a few road diet projects and their studies show impressive results, in terms of both speed and crash reductions. Their studies can be found here.
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