City of Surrey - Traffic Calming Information Site

Medians

Curb Extensions

Traffic Calming Devices → Horizontal Speed Control Devices

Medians

What are Medians?

Elevated islands installed on the centerline of a two-way road reducing the overall width of each lane.
Also referred to as center island narrowings, midblock medians, median slow points, and median chokers.
Provides a pedestrian refuge.

How are Medians designed?

Where are Medians placed and how much are they?

Ideal for residential applications, commercial areas, and business districts.
Many times medians are installed on curves to discourage speeding and encourage vehicles to remain in the appropriate lane of travel.
Medians are also effective in slowing traffic when installed before an intersection.
Medians can provide a pedestrian refuge and be integrated with crosswalks.
Medians can be installed as a gateway to a community.
Installation costs of medians start around $1,500 and increase depending on the length and width, landscaping, and drainage issues.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low cost Can reduce vehicle speed Can encourage a safer pedestrian environment Can improve the aesthetics of a neighborhood when landscaped tastefully.	On-street parking may need to be eliminated around the median. The potential exists for an increase in vehicle/bicycle accidents and vehicle/pedestrian accidents as vehicles may be deflected into a bicycle's or pedestrian's path.

Median Issues & Comments

Medians can be landscaped.
Medians can be integrated with other traffic calming devices like curb extensions, speed humps, and raised crosswalks.
When designing a median, considerable attention should be given to aesthetics.