Some projects designs will involve reconfiguring the roadway layout, this is sometimes known as a road diet. A road diet is generally described as removing travel lanes from a roadway and utilizing the space for other uses or modes, and is one of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) 20 proven countermeasures for improving roadway safety.
This design approach improves safety by better utilizing the roadway space to create safer and more comfortable roadways for all users, people walking, bicycling, and driving. Wide multi-lane roads allow and even encourage people to drive at high speeds, which is a leading cause of crashes. The reconfiguration acts as traffic calming, slowing the speed of motor vehicle traffic and improving safety for everyone.
The Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division reviews any roadway being considered for reconfiguration to ensure that traffic volumes are within acceptable ranges for the number of lanes being proposed. This ensures that roadway designs are balanced to meet the needs of all users in a safe manner.