Traffic calming for safer streets

Take me directly to the Traffic Calming Assessments Lists.

Traffic calming helps make neighbourhoods safer for non-drivers. That means slowing down cars, trucks, and motorcycles by altering driver behaviour. Studies have shown that reducing the posted speed limit in an area typically has no significant impact on how fast people drive.

Physical measures are more effective and could include: 

•    speed humps
•    raised intersections and crosswalks
•    curb extensions
•    traffic circles or mini roundabouts
•    on-street parking
•    raised median islands

Is my street eligible for traffic calming?

If your street is owned and maintained by the municipality, it may be considered for traffic calming if it:
•    is within a residential area
•    is classified as a “local street” or “minor collector street”  
•    is not a multi-lane road
•    has a posted speed limit not greater than 50 km/h 
•    is greater than 150m in length 
•    does not provide direct access to an emergency services building

How do I request traffic calming for my street?

You, or your Councillor on behalf of a resident or group of residents, may initiate a review of traffic calming for your street by contacting 3-1-1. When calling 3-1-1, you should prepare the details of your request, including the street name and street limits to be assessed.

If you are concerned with speeding on your street, please call to Halifax Regional Police on the non-emergency line at 902.490.5020.

How will my request for traffic calming be evaluated?

The Traffic Calming Administrative Order identifies eligibility criteria and explains the processes involved with requesting traffic calming on a residential street. As a quick overview: 

1.    Staff will review your request to make sure that it meets the conditions outlined above.

2.    If it does, staff will perform a primary assessment of the site, which mostly involves measuring vehicle speed and volume. 

3.    If the speed and volume data meet the criteria to proceed with further review, the project location will be given a ranking score. The ranking score is based on the speed and volume data, collision history, road geometry and infrastructure, and nearby facilities.

4.   Implementation of traffic calming measures will be based on the ranking score and/or integration opportunities with other HRM construction projects. 

If at any point during the review staff determine that the proposed traffic calming doesn’t satisfy the criteria, the process could be terminated. 

Current List of Assessments and Rankings (as of March 13th, 2020)

Proposed for 2020 Implementation

Current list of Ranked Streets (potential future implementation)

Complete list of Former and Current Assessments including Current Stage - *NOTE - find your street and note which stage it is in, then check the glossary below to see what that means.

File – Open

  • The street is currently under assessment, or
  • The street has been assessed and qualifies for implementation.

File – Closed

  • The street does not meet the screening process (AO 15-004-OP, Section 3),
  • The assessment is complete and the street does not qualify, or
  • Traffic calming measures have been installed and evaluated under the Traffic Calming AO. The process is complete.

Stage - Ineligible

  • The street does not meet the screening process.

Stage - Data Collection 1

  • The street meets the screening process.  Speed and volume data is not available on file so it will be collected.
  • If the 85th percentile speed does not meet the minimum thresholds in Sections 10 and 10A the request will be closed at this stage.

Stage - Data Collection 2

  • Speed and volume data collection is complete and the 85th percentile speed meets the minimum thresholds in Sections 10A(b) and 11.  We are currently reviewing collision history and street characteristics to assign priority points for ranking.

Stage – Ranked

  • All points have been assigned and the street has been ranked in accordance with Section 23.

Stage – Plan Dev.

  • We are in the process of selecting appropriate traffic calming measures and preparing a design for installation.

Stage – Installation

  • Project is approved and installation is pending or ongoing.

Stage – Evaluation

  • Traffic calming measures have been installed and we are awaiting follow up speed/volume data on the street.

Stage – Complete

Speed reductions have been achieved, no further action required.