Speeding and Traffic Calming

Traffic calming in school zones on major collector and minor arterial roadways

In May 2018, the town initiated a study on potential traffic calming options for school zones on major collector and minor arterial roadways. In total, the project will treat 20 school sites located across the town.

  • St. Luke’s Catholic Elementary School (CES) – Kingsway Drive
  • James W. Hill Public School (PS) – Kingsway Drive
  • Our Lady of Peace CES – River Glen Boulevard
  • Ecole Forest Trail PS – Pine Glen Road
  • Emily Carr PS – Pine Glen Road
  • Westoak PS - Fourth Line
  • St. Joan of Arc CES – Westoak Trails Boulevard
  • Captain R. Wilson PS – Grand Oak Trail
  • St. Mary’s CES – Colonel William Parkway
  • Palermo PS – Valleyridge Drive
  • Abbey Lane PS – Old Abbey Lane
  • St. Matthew’s CES – Nottinghill Gate
  • Heritage Glen PS – Heritage Way
  • St. Bernadette CES – Heritage Way
  • St. Gregory the Great CES – Sixteen Mile Drive
  • Oodenawi PS – George Savage Avenue/Sixteen Mile Drive
  • Munn’s PS – Sixth Line
  • Pilgrim Wood PS – Pilgrims Way
  • W.H. Morden PS – Rebecca Street
  • St. Dominic’s CES – Rebecca Street

We'd like to hear what you have to say

On June 19, 20 and 21, 2018 we held information sessions to gather public input and discuss ideas, concerns and potential treatments for the 20 school zones that are included in the study.

If you were not able to attend any of the meetings in person, we'd still like to hear from you and we welcome your input via email.

Contacts:

Matt Colwill
IBI Group
mcolwill@ibigroup.com

Dragana Crkvenjas
Town of Oakville
dragana.crkvenjas@oakville.ca

What is traffic calming?

Traffic calming is a measure available to the town that can be used to mitigate speeding in instances where higher speeds have been observed and conventional methods of speed deterrence, such as enforcement and education, have not been effective. Some examples of include line markings, radar speed display signs, speed cushions and roundabouts.

How does a roadway qualify for traffic calming?

To initiate a traffic calming process a candidate location must first satisfy Warrant 1 – 85th Percentile Speed. Warrant 1 is obtained following a 48-hour speed survey conducted either in the spring and/or fall.

Warrant 1 requires 15 per cent of motorists to be driving at a speed greater than:

  • 10 km/h over for a posted speed of 40 km/h
  • 11 km/h over for a posted speed of 50 km/h
  • 12 km/h over for a posted speed of 60 km/h

If Warrant 1 is met, locations will first receive a Radar Speed Display Sign (RSDS) unit. If speeds remain above the threshold after the RSDS is removed, the location then qualifies for line markings. If line markings are already present, the town will directly proceed to implement physical traffic calming measures.

 

Passive traffic calming examples

Radar speed display signs

  • Displays speed of vehicle to its driver via an electronic display.
  • Provides driver with feedback regarding vehicle operating speed.
  • Can be permanently or temporarily installed.

 

Other passive calming techniques

  • Pavement markings on roadway used to define space for vehicles (edge lines, cycle lanes)
  • Clearly indicate driving space.
  • Narrow the driving lanes to encourage drivers to slow down.

Physical traffic calming examples

Raised crosswalk

  • A marked pedestrian crosswalk at an intersection or mid-block location constructed at a higher elevation than the adjacent roadway.
  • Delineates the pedestrian and automobile space.

Curb extension

  • Widening of curb into roadway, typically at intersections to reduce vehicle speeds.
  • Slows vehicles making turns and reduces crossing distance for pedestrians.
  • Provides opportunity for visual/landscape enhancement.

Roundabout

  • A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counter-clockwise around a centre island.
  • Aesthetically pleasing, while enhancing safety.
  • Already implemented in several locations in Oakville.

Raised centre median

  • An elevated median constructed in the centre of the roadway.
  • Helps slow traffic without reducing capacity, while providing visual aesthetic.
  • Reduction in pedestrian-vehicle conflict.

Concrete speed cushion

  • The Town of Oakville has implemented this measure in most school zones in the town.
  • Features a centre 'knock-down' post allowing emergency vehicles to pass.
  • Slows passenger vehicles via a small speed hump on roadway.
  • Designed to accommodate wide wheel base of emergency vehicles (easy passage).
  • Use on local & collector roads.

Chicane

  • Two or more alternating curb extensions that narrow a two-lane road to a one-lane road for a short distance.
  • Requires drivers to slow down and drive around them in a serpentine pattern.
  • Used on local and minor roadways not designated for transit or emergency vehicles.

2017/2018 physical traffic calming projects

Three roadways qualified for physical traffic calming in 2017.

  • Pinegrove Road
  • Ridge Drive
  • Great Lakes Boulevard

Through the public consultation process, residents voted in favour of the proposed physical traffic calming. Speed cushions were selected as the most appropriate measure for both Ridge Drive and Pinegrove Road and will be implemented on both roadways during summer 2018.

Great Lakes Boulevard traffic calming study is currently underway. Proposed treatments include raised centre median, curb extension, pedestrian crossover and roundabout. The study is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

More information

Detailed information about Traffic Calming Process Update and Speed Limit Review can be found on the April 25, 2016, Community Services Committee agenda.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the traffic calming program, or wish to initiate a request please contact:

Dragana Crkvenjas
Traffic Technologist Town of Oakville
Engineering and Construction Department
Oakville, ON L6H 0H3
Tel: 905-845-6601, ext. 3397
Fax: 905-338-4159
dragana.crkvenjas@oakville.ca