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Problem

Cut-through traffic and speeding was a problem in this coastal residential community.

Background

Naples is a relatively affluent coastal residential community that stretches 11.3 km (7 mi) along the beach in Florida; however it is only 1.6 km (1 mi) wide. Seventh Avenue is an east-west residential street that historically had problems with high traffic volumes and speeding. Beach-bound east-west auto travelers often cut through residential neighborhoods at excessive speeds. Before the improvements, 7th Avenue had approximately 8,000 vehicles per day, with average speeds of approximately 53 km/h (33 mi/h).

Solution

In response, Naples completed numerous traffic calming projects in order to slow down speeds and improve the aesthetic appearance of the community. The City’s approach to traffic calming was a response to the demands of residents in the affected neighborhoods. The residents were required to circulate petitions and hold public hearings to initiate the process.

After the neighborhood residents had decided that action must be taken, they approached the City for assistance. The City conducted a study of the traffic conditions of the street and presented the information to the residents along with potential alternative traffic solutions. The City also determined that the traffic calming treatments would not only slow down through traffic, but residential traffic as well. After presenting the neighborhood residents with information and alternatives, the neighborhood chose what types of improvements would be installed.

A number of different treatments were implemented along 7th Avenue. Three medians were added to narrow the 1.6 km (1.0 mi) street and reduced its perceived design speed. A median was added at the street’s entrance along with brick pavers to narrow the street and indicate to drivers that they were entering a residential neighborhood. Some intersection roundabouts were installed along the street. Another intersection was raised 0.9 m (3 ft) into a speed table and was enhanced by brick paving. Intensive landscaping was also added to make the street appear narrower and more aesthetically pleasing.

Results

After the implementation of the improvements, the area experienced an initial drop in traffic volume although volumes were soon back to pre-improvement levels. However, traffic speeds dropped significantly by 18 km/h (11 mi/h) to an average of 35 km/h (22 mi/h). Despite the drop in average vehicle speeds, the community’s reaction was mixed about the traffic calming treatments. The neighborhoods were very pleased with them, but motorists, particularly those driving service vehicles destined for the many expensive residences that are located in the area, found the improvements burdensome.

Contact

Dick Gatti
Development Services / Engineering
295 Riverside Circle
Naples, FL 34102
Phone: (941) 213-5000
Fax: (941) 213-5010

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