Device name(s): Half Street Closures
Approximate Cost:$10,000 – $25,000
Definition: Half street closures restrict motorists from entering or exiting a street in one direction with curb extensions, bollards, or other treatments. The purpose of a half street closure is to prevent cut-through traffic or undesired turning movements. Half street closures or barriers that block travel in one direction for short distance on otherwise two-way streets. Half Street closures are often called partial closures or one-way closures.
Fast Facts:
- Can be used on Local Street- yes
- Can be used on Collector- possible
- Can be used on Arterial- no
- Reduces Speed- no
- Reduces Volume- yes
- Noise Impact- no
- Restricts Access- yes
- Bicyclist Impact- no
- Transit Impact- yes
- Parking Impact- no
- Emergency Response Impact- no
Advantages:
- reduces cut through traffic in one direction
- allows two-way traffic along the remainder of the street
- bicycle and pedestrian routes can be maintained
- effective in reducing traffic volume
- may reduce speeds
- can have positive aesthetic value
- increases pedestrian safety
Disadvantages:
- divert traffic to adjacent streets
- increases trip lengths
- impacts access
- cause circuitous routes for local residents
- may limit access to businesses
- depending on the design, drivers may be able to circumvent the barrier
- may increase emergency response times
- may increase traffic volume on adjacent streets
Criteria/Application(s):
- Half street closures are good for locations with extreme traffic volume problems and non-restrictive measures have been unsuccessful
- neighborhoods with non-local traffic volume problems
