Diverters

Overview

Diverters are temporary or permanent features that physically restrict some or all vehicular movements, with the purpose of deterring heavy volumes of through traffic on residential streets. Diverters maintain walking and bicycling access. Diverters can be designed in a variety of ways using a range of materials and techniques to maintain emergency vehicle access.

Benefitsdiverters example

  • Maintains street directionality for residents and their visitors
  • Reduces volume of motor vehicles on local streets
  • Prevents turning conflicts
  • Reduces pedestrian crossing distance
  • Can reduce speeds in intersections

Considerations

  • Impacts access, which may result in more traffic on other streets
  • Must be designed to facilitate walking and bicycling access
  • Impacts emergency vehicle movement
  • Does not reduce mid-block speeds
  • Community partners are responsible for maintaining any plantings within the diverter