New traffic calming curbs are coming to a neighbourhood near you.
Installation has begun on the curbs at 16 locations across Winnipeg. The curbs are a fast and cost-effective way to slow vehicles and reduce safety risks.
They work by narrowing parts of the road to encourage lower driving speeds and reduce crossing distances for pedestrians and cyclists. More signage and reflective posts also increase visibility for crossings.
“We know speeding is an issue in certain areas, but major road changes are expensive and time-consuming,” said Amanda Pushka, our Road Safety Management Engineer.
“With traffic calming curbs, we can improve safety immediately at a fraction of the cost. They can remain in place until we can install permanent measures when the road is ready to be rebuilt.”
The curbs will be in residential areas, with many near schools or crosswalks. Locations were selected to have as minimal impact on parking as possible.
“We know for residents these curbs may take a bit of getting used to,” said Pushka.
“We'll be monitoring traffic volumes and speeds over the next year to make sure they're working.”
One way we hope to ease the transition is through art. We’ve partnered with Art City to have community-designed murals installed on three curb locations.
“It's an opportunity to turn a piece of infrastructure into a canvas for celebrating the neighbourhood,” added Pushka.
Learn more about how we’re helping make roads safer for everyone.