To improve street safety, the SFMTA will be installing traffic calming devices that help reduce speeding at 141 locations throughout San Francisco. The work will start tomorrow, Nov. 20, and continue through this fall and winter.
These installations are all the result of requests from community members like you.
Listening to your concerns
Our Traffic Calming Program is resident driven. When neighbors tell us they're worried about speeding on their block, we listen. We collect data to confirm there's a speeding problem, and then we take action. That’s how each of these 141 upgrades got started – a resident was concerned about speeding and applied for the program.
By working in partnership with community members and making data-driven decisions, we make sure resources go where they're needed most.
We started the Residential Traffic Calming Program in 2001 to encourage drivers to slow down on residential streets. Since then, we've installed hundreds of traffic calming devices. And we know they're working -- data shows auto speeds have decreased where we've installed devices.
We’re glad there has been so much interest from residents in this program. We have received an unprecedented number of applications for mid-block traffic calming, far exceeding our program resources.
We’ve temporarily paused new applications for this program while we focus on installing these already approved 141 locations.
What we're installing
Traffic calming devices help vehicles slow down, making streets safer and more comfortable for everyone – whether you're walking, biking or driving. The devices we install include:
- Speed humps: Raised sections across the road that encourage drivers to slow down
- Speed cushions: Like speed humps but with wheel slots to help emergency vehicles and buses pass more easily
- Speed tables: Flat-topped raised sections that also work well at crosswalks
What to expect
Installation is expected to be completed by February, weather permitting. Each location should take no more than two days of work.
If you live on one of these blocks, you should have received a postcard in the mail with more information about the project.
There are fourteen locations that are scheduled to receive traffic-calming devices this spring under an additional contract. The residents in those locations will receive notifications when that work is scheduled to begin.
Slower speeds save lives and make our neighborhoods more livable. These 141 locations represent our commitment to safety for everyone who walks, bikes and drives in San Francisco.
Making our streets safer is a team effort. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Traffic Calming Program. Together, we're building a San Francisco where everyone can get around safely.
The specific device for each location depends on the conditions of that block. All of these tools have been proven to reduce speeding and increase safety.
Learn more at our Residential Traffic Calming Program webpage (SFMTA.com/TrafficCalming).
Have questions? Email us at TrafficCalmingApp@SFMTA.com