Temporary Traffic Calming in Windsor's Current Framework
Because of the flexibility granted by the Traffic Calming Policy, Council has the ability to consider temporary traffic calming measures, where appropriate.
Temporary traffic calming measures – in particular, temporary speed cushions – were installed on Bellagio Drive and Bartlet Drive in 2012. These installations were at Council’s direction (M287-2012, M353-2012) prior to the adoption of the current Traffic Calming Policy.
The outcome of these projects was as follows:
Bellagio Drive: after negative resident feedback, the speed cushions were moved at the direction of Council (Motion M244-2014) and then subsequently removed.
Bartlet Drive: the temporary speed cushions were replaced with permanent asphalt speed cushions after unfavourable results with temporary speed cushions.
Key lessons from this pilot program:
Temporary speed cushions or similar devices cannot be left installed during the winter maintenance season.
Removing and re-installing traffic calming devices in the roadway can cause significant pavement damage, since the anchors – and anchor holes – cannot be reused from one year to another.
In general, it is recommended that large, bolt-in traffic calming measures o such as speed cushions not be installed at the same location for more than two years. Beyond this point, the pavement damage can be severe enough that the anchors may not be able to keep the cushions secured to the pavement.
The initial purchase of rubber traffic calming devices is generally more expensive than the cost for similar permanent asphalt devices.
Under the current Traffic Calming Policy, all traffic calming measures, whether temporary or permanent, are subject to the same warrant review and approval process. This approach was consistent with other jurisdictions and national guidance that was available during the best practice review for the 2015 Traffic Calming Policy update.
Since 2015, certain other jurisdictions – in particular, the City of Ottawa and the City of Kitchener – have updated their policies to provide a separate, expedited process for a set range of lower-cost, temporary traffic measures that can be removed quickly if needed. This approach is not reflected in Windsor’s current Traffic Calming Policy, but will be included in the upcoming policy review.