On the Road in New Hampshire

   Like many cities and towns, the Town of Durham had a problem with speeding traffic through the downtown area. Their remedy used several traffic calming methods to slow traffic, create more parking, and increase pedestrian safety. This article will discuss their traffic calming approach. An article on pages 4 and 5 will describe other traffic calming methods.

    To make this program a success the Town involved residents and business owners in the planning and design process. An engineering firm presented traffic calming options. Durham used some of these options and ideas from residents to develop an aesthetically pleasing and functional plan. The whole process took approximately three years, that included many public hearings.

   The solution included bump outs (narrowing) which extended the curbs. These make pedestrians more visible to drivers and narrow the road to slow traffic. Brick textured crosswalks also slow the traffic and add to the beauty of downtown. The sidewalks have been widened and the lighting brightened, making it safer for pedestrians to shop in local businesses.

    Along with reaching its main goals of slowing traffic, increasing parking, and making the area safe, the project has created a more appealing and accessible downtown area that will attract new businesses. Through the involvement of the whole community the solution is a working example of traffic calming in New Hampshire.

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