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Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Home

Tools to Address Speeding and Volumes

 

HALF CLOSURES AND SEMI-DIVERTERS


 

Semi-diverters are extensions from the curb or islands - usually extending from a corner of an intersection that block one directional lane of the street.
 
They are used to prevent drivers from making certain turn movements at an intersection. Semi-diverters can effectively reduce traffic volumes on a street although the diverted traffic may impact adjacent streets. Semi-diverters are very effective in reducing volumes at specific locations.
 
Semi-diverters affect all drivers, including local residents. Thus, care must be taken to consider the impacts on alternative routes as well as neighborhood access routes.
 
Temporary Installation



N/A

Permanent Installation


Culver City, CA

PROS
1. Reduces traffic volume.
2. Maintains access for residents.
3. Reduces cut-through traffic.
4. Reduces crossing distance for pedestrians.
5. Landscaping possible
6. OK for emergency vehicles.
7. Can provide 2-way access for bicycles.
CONS
1. May divert traffic to parallel streets.
2. May increase trip length for some residents.
3. 1-2 curbside parking spaces lost.
4. Maintenance needs if landscaped.

Summary of Effectiveness
Volume Reduction

Yes

Speed Reduction

Yes

Safety Improvement

Unknown

-

-

Streets to Use On Collector, Local

Local/Collector

Use on Bus Route

Possible

Use with Curbs and Gutters

Yes

Spot or Area-wide Use

Spot

-

-

Emergency Service Access Issues

Yes

Impacts on Arterials

Possible

Change in % Trucks

Unknown

Environmental Changes

Unknown

-

-

Dependence on Enforcement

Some

Level of Violation

N/A

-

-

Aesthetics and Landscaping

Possible

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