Left Turn Calming Pilot Project

Project overview

Left turn calming (also called centerline hardening) consists of temporary rubber speed bumps used to enhance roadway centerlines and improve pedestrian safety. The intent of left turn calming is to encourage drivers to make slower left turns. It also increases their awareness of other road users in the process.

Left turn calming has been implemented in other North American cities, including Toronto and New York City, with promising results for improving pedestrian safety.

This year, left turn calming will be added where high-speed left turns are affecting pedestrian safety:

  • 12 Avenue S.E. and 1 Street S.E. (to be added in Fall 2024)

Between 2022-2023, left turn calming was added to intersections at:

  • Northmount Drive N.W. and 4 Street N.W. (added in Fall 2022)
  • 26 Avenue S.E. and 36 Street S.E. (added in Winter 2022)
  • 58 Avenue S.W. and 5 Street S.W. (added in Summer 2023)

How do they work

Rubber speed bumps are overlaid on top of the roadway centerline. These materials have reflective stripes attached to make them distinct to drivers and other road users. There are also yellow plastic posts installed in front of the speed bumps that will be seen by drivers as they approach the intersection. Drivers making a left turn at the intersection should slow down to an appropriate speed, so that they can turn into the proper lane while driving around the speed bumps.

By turning at a lower speed, drivers are also likely to complete their turn at a more perpendicular angle that allows for better visibility of pedestrians on both ends of the crosswalk. Larger vehicles may drive over the speed bumps, as required to navigate the intersection.

The design of the speed bumps ensures vehicles will still have enough room to turn and traffic flow will not be significantly affected. Additionally, the rubber speed bumps are designed with a low height so that they don’t pose any significant danger if driven over by vehicles.

Left turn calming speed bump

Findings

Improvements in driver behavior were observed at the initial three project locations. Left turn calming was found to have reduced illegal turns by more than 20 per cent for some locations. These illegal left turns were either crossing over the painted centreline or turning into the second lane instead of the nearest lane. Increased driver awareness and reduction in turning speeds were also observed at all locations. 

Next steps

The existing left turn calming treatments will remain in place as they have demonstrated tangible safety benefits. Additional locations may be selected for left turn calming treatment in the near future. These locations will be identified through engineering studies. The City will continue to monitor existing locations to assess the design and identify any potential issues that may arise. 

Frequently asked questions

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Left turn calming pilot

Related information

Contact us

To learn more about the project or give feedback, contact 311 online.

Contact 311
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