Center Island Narrowings
A center island narrowing is a raised island located along the centerline of a street that narrows the travel lanes at that location. Center island narrowings are often landscaped to provide a visual amenity. Placed at the entrance to a neighborhood, and often combined with textured pavement, they are often called “gateway islands.” Fitted with a gap to allow pedestrians to walk through at a crosswalk, they are also referred to as “pedestrian refuges.”
Application:
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Entrances to residential areas.
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Wide streets where pedestrians need to cross.
Advantages:
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Increase pedestrian safety.
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Can have positive aesthetic value.
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May reduce traffic volumes.
Disadvantages:
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Speed reduction effect is somewhat limited because vehicles do not have to alter their path.
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May require elimination of some on-street parking.
Cost Estimate:
$8,000 – $15,000