Curb Extensions
A curb extension is a horizontal intrusion of the curb into the roadway resulting in a narrower section of roadway. The curb extension is extended on one or both sides of the roadway to reduce its width to as little as 6.0 metres for two-way traffic.
(Source: The Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming)
Throughout Canada, curb extensions have been installed in cities such as but not limited to: Ottawa, Burlington, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Camrose, Calgary, Winnepeg and Fredericton. The research demonstrates that the installation of curb extensions results in a slight decreased in motor vehicle speeds and greatly enhances pedestrian safety.
Photographs of curb extensions in the City of Ottawa and in the City of Fredericton are shown below.
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Curb Extension in the City of Ottawa |
Curb Extension in the City of Fredericton |
Note: In the photo of Fredericton above, the curb extension is on a two-way street and the vehicle is parked on the wrong side of the road. The photo does demonstrate however how a pedestrian would be more visible as they would be in front of any parked cars.
Curb Extension in the City of Ottawa
The Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming states that the purpose of a curb extension is to:- Reduce vehicle speeds
- Reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians
- Increase pedestrian visibility
- Prevent parking close to an intersection
Although there are no significant disbenefits of curb extensions some moderate disbenefits are:
- Large vehicles may need to cross into the adjacent travel lanes in order to negotiate a turn
- Potential for increased snow removal costs
- May require the removal of some on-street parking
- Cyclists may feel forced to share the roadway with motor vehicles
The cost to install a curb extension is variable and dependent on the length and width of the extension, drainage requirements, labour and material costs. The cost of installation could vary from $3000 to $10,000 per extension per side.
