Traffic Calming
Traffic calming uses physical measures like speed humps, speed cushions, raised intersections and crossings, curb extensions, median islands and traffic circles to address issues like speeding and shortcutting.
Measures can be installed on residential or collector streets with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less that meet the required criteria.
Traffic calming aims to ensure safe and efficient movement on city streets with;
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Slower vehicle speeds;
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Fewer, less severe collisions;
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Increased safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists;
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Reduced reliance on police enforcement;
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Enhanced roadway environment and streetscape;
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Improved access to all modes of transportation; and
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Reduced 'cut-through' or non-local traffic for local streets.
How it Happens
Traffic calming works in four phases in the City of Saskatoon:
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Phase 1: Application and Data Collection
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Phase 2: Traffic Calming Plan
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Phase 3: Final Design and Approval
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Phase 4: Implementation and Evaluation
Traffic Calming Petitions
Fill out a petition for an Active Traffic Calming Review. Only residents who live within the study area are eligible to sign a petition.
Salisbury Drive (Closing Date: November 2024)
- 85th percentile speed is 58 km/hr
- Average daily traffic volume is 742 vehicles per day.
Eastview (Closing Date: May 2025)
- 85th percentile speed is 48.4 km/h; and
- Average daily traffic volume is 1,008 vehicles per day.
Poplar Crescent - Idylwyld Park (Closing Date: February 2025)
- 85th percentile speed during playground zone hours is 42km/h,
- 85th percentile speed during non-playground zone hours is 45km/h; and
- Average daily traffic volume is 459 vehicles per day.
Spadina Crescent and 17th Street W (Closing Date: February 2025)
17th Street between Avenue H and Avenue E
- 85th percentile speed is 50 km/hr; and
- Average daily traffic volume is 3000 vehicles per day.
Spadina Crescent between Avenue D and Avenue E
- 85th percentile speed is 55 km/hr; and
- Average daily traffic volume is 3900 vehicles per day.
Kingsmere Boulevard - Stillwater Drive to Christopher Road (Closing Date: October 2025)
- 85th percentile speed is 51km/h; and
- Average daily traffic volume is 8,000 vehicles per day.
Kingsmere Boulevard - Ecole Lakeview School (Closing Date: October 2025)
- 85th percentile speed during school zone hours is 43km/h,
- 85th percentile speed outside of school hours is 63km/h, and
- Average daily traffic volume is 5000 vehicles per day.
Closed Traffic Calming Petitions
The traffic calming petitions for the locations listed below are now closed. Closed petitions will not be eligible for review for at least two years after the date of closure.
|
Street |
Between |
85th Percentile (km/hr) |
AADT (vehicles/day) |
Date Closed |
Traffic Calming Phase |
Support Received |
|
Adilman Drive |
Wanuskewin Road and Zeman Crescent |
56 |
3,850 |
June 2024 |
Phase 2 (60% support) |
|
|
Goerzen Street |
Wanuskewin Road and Russell Road |
58 |
3,050 |
June 2024 |
Phase 2 (60% support) |
|
|
McClocklin Road Lane |
McClocklin Road and Junor Avenue |
34 |
70 |
July 2024 |
Phase 1 (25% support) |
2% (1 out of 63) |
|
Parkdale Road |
Moss Avenue and McKercher Drive |
51 |
3,120 |
July 2024 |
Phase 1 (25% support) |
18% (13 out of 74) |
|
Richardson Road |
McClocklin Road and 37th Street West |
67 |
3,220 |
July 2024 |
Phase 1 (25% support) |
2% (3 out of 128) |
|
Sommerfeld Avenue |
3rd Street East and 1st Street East |
52 |
130 |
July 2024 |
Phase 1 (25% support) |
3% (1 out of 32) |
|
Kloppenburg Crescent |
Evergreen Boulevard and Kloppenburg Court |
47 (playground zone hours) |
570 |
October 2024 |
Phase 1 (25% support) |
13% (14 out of 108) |
Active Traffic Calming Reviews
The City of Saskatoon is currently engaged in traffic calming reviews on McClocklin Road, Childers Way and Adelaide Street.
Types of Traffic Calming Devices
Speed Humps
Speed humps are raised areas on a roadway, typically wider and more gradual than speed bumps, designed to slow down vehicular traffic.
Speed Cushions
Speed cushions are speed humps that have wheel cut outs that allow transit and emergency access vehicles to cross the speed cushion unaffected.
Curb Extensions
Curb extensions are protruding sections of the sidewalk or pedestrian area into the roadway, typically at intersections or crosswalks, which narrow the roadway and cause drivers to slow down.
Median Islands
Median islands are located between opposing lanes of traffic, designed to provide additional space for pedestrians and landscaping while narrowing roadways, causing drivers to slow down.
Raised Intersections
Similar to speed humps, raised intersections elevate the entire intersection, including crosswalks, to the same level as the sidewalk, creating a noticeable hump that prompts drivers to slow down as they approach.
Raised Crossings
Raised crossings emphasize pedestrian safety by providing a clear and continuous path for pedestrians to cross the street at the same level as sidewalks, while causing drivers to slow down as they approach.
Traffic Circles
Traffic circles involve a circular area in the centre of an intersection, designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety. The circular design naturally encourages drivers to slow down.
Speed Boards
Speed boards are speed display or radar speed signs designed to encourage drivers to reduce their speed by providing real-time feedback on their current driving speed.
Chicanes
Chicanes consist of a series of alternating curb extensions or other physical elements that create a zigzag or serpentine path for vehicles, forcing drivers to slow down to navigate the curves.
Evaluation
Although the primary focus of traffic calming is residential streets, traffic calming can be used on almost all types of streets. Once constructed, a minimum period of six months must pass before a study is conducted within the neighbourhood to measure vehicle speeds, volumes and cut-through vehicle numbers and solicit feedback from property owners on the effectiveness of the traffic calming plan and any observed changes.
Traffic Calming Removal
An adjustment period is necessary for drivers to adapt to the changes following the implementation of a traffic calming plan. Following the evaluation, the City may identify issues or safety concerns from the implementation of the measures or a negative impact that was created that cannot be corrected.
To initiate the review of traffic calming measures for removal, a resident or stakeholder must submit an Application for Existing Traffic Calming Device Review/Removal Form. Following the receipt of application, Administration will contact the applicant and discuss concerns or issues to obtain full details for further field review.
Community Input
Neighbourhoods and residents can get involved by:
- Identifying traffic related issues;
- Responding to all surveys;
- Attending public meetings for traffic calming studies;
- Approving or rejecting the development of a traffic calming plan;
- Selecting preferred traffic calming concept(s) which address the identified issues from the options presented by staff; and
- Approving or rejecting the implementation of the preferred traffic calming plan.
FAQs
Where can traffic calming be installed?
Traffic calming can be installed on residential local or collector streets with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less that meet the required criteria.
How effective is traffic calming?
For traffic calming to be effective, the traffic calming plan needs to be tailored to address the specific traffic issues that are occurring. Insight from the local residents on the issues of concern is key to develop an effective site-specific plan.
What types of traffic calming measures are used?
- Education (e.g. speed display boards, education campaigns)
- Horizontal Deflection (e.g. curb extensions, median islands, traffic circles)
- Vertical Deflections (e.g. raised crosswalk, speed hump)
- Access Restriction (e.g. diverter, directional closure, full closure)
Why are some measures installed temporarily with rubber curbing?
Horizontal deflection devices are implemented temporarily prior to permanent installation to allow for a monitoring period. If the measures are deemed to be effective at addressing the traffic concern, they will be installed permanently as funding allows. If the measures are found to be ineffective, they will be adjusted or removed.
Will the traffic calming measures affect City services?
Traffic calming measures can be designed to accommodate emergency services, transit, waste management, street sweeping and snow clearing vehicles to minimize impact of their operations.
Each community traffic calming plan will include input from Emergency Services, Transit and Roadways, Fleet and Support. Information will be shared with the community on estimated impacts of any proposed traffic plan for residents to be fully informed during decision-making processes.
Why can't stop signs be installed instead of traffic calming devices?
Stop signs are a form of traffic control used to assign the right-of-way at intersections; they are not intended to be used as speed control devices or to stop priority traffic over minor traffic. Installing unwarranted stop signs usually results in a higher occurrence of non-compliance of the stop signs which can lead to reduced safety.
What about lowering the speed limit?
A residential speed limit review was completed which considered changes to the residential speed limit, school zones, potential playground zones, and potential senior zones. A 40 km/h speed limit on residential streets was proposed, but not endorsed by the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation so no changes were made to residential street speed limits on a city-wide level. City Council did approve some changes to speed limits related to streets near schools and playgrounds. Details can be found on the engage page.
What is the 85th percentile speed?
- The 85th percentile is used to assess if a street is eligible for traffic calming measures under the traffic calming policy. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at which 85% of drivers are driving at or below.
What can I do to calm traffic in my neighbourhood?
- Obey the traffic laws and follow the rules of the road.
- Be courteous to other road users.
- Use an alternate mode of transportation to help reduce the amount of traffic in your neighbourhood.
- Ask your community association to publish information on traffic concerns in the newsletter.
- Host a community event to raise awareness about local traffic issues.
Community Speed Display Board Program
The purpose of this program is to allow communities to purchase their own speed display board. The following process will be followed:
- Community Associations submit a written application to the City of Saskatoon to initiate the process.
- The City will provide the Community Association a cost estimate of the speed display board, along with an agreement to be signed by the Community Association. The agreement will set out the expectations on maintenance, repairs, vandalism, etc. of the board.
- The Community Association will provide payment to the City, as well as enter into the written agreement.
- The City of Saskatoon will acquire the speed display board.
- The speed display board is to be installed for one-year at one location. The speed display board will be removed during the winter season.
- Annually, the community can submit a written request to the City to have the speed display board relocated to another location.