Traffic calming helps create safer, more livable neighborhoods

Traffic calming is one way the City of Columbia works with residents to improve safety and quality of life on neighborhood streets.

While speed humps are the most recognizable traffic calming measure, they are only one of several tools Public Works uses. Depending on the roadway and community feedback, Public Works may also recommend curb extensions, traffic islands or enhanced pedestrian crossings.

The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program focuses on residential streets. This is where speeding, the amount of traffic or other conditions affect neighborhood life. It is not intended for arterial roadways or other major streets. These serve a different purpose in the City's transportation network.

Every traffic calming project begins with neighborhood input.

Public Works works closely with residents throughout the process. This includes the initial traffic study to public meetings, concept development and ultimately, a public hearing and City Council vote. The goal is to develop a plan based on traffic data. Engaged community input will shape the plan, and that makes the street safer for everyone.

Several neighborhood traffic calming projects are currently underway. City Council may consider Whitegate Drive as early as August. Residents along Hoylake Drive and Highlands Parkway recently participated in public meetings. Engineers are using that feedback to develop concepts they will present at a second round of neighborhood meetings later this year.

If you believe your neighborhood could benefit from traffic calming, contact the Public Works department at [email protected]create new email or call 573.874.CITYopens phone dialer (2489) to learn how to begin the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program process.