Gateways

A clock tower in the landscaped median slows vehicles while provide an entrance to this community.

A gateway is a physical or geometric landmark that indicates a change in environment from a higher speed arterial or collector road to a lower speed residential or commercial district. They often place a higher emphasis on aesthetics and are frequently used to identify neighborhood and commercial areas within a larger urban setting. Gateways may be a combination of street narrowing, medians, signing, archways, roundabouts, the beginning of formal curbs and gutters with planting strips or other identifiable feature. Gateways should send a clear message to motorists that they have reached a specific place and must reduce speeds. This can help achieve the goal of meeting expectations and preparing motorists for a different driving environment. Gateways are only an introduction and slower speeds are not likely to be maintained unless the entire area has been redesigned or other traffic-calming features are used.

Purpose

  • Create an expectation for motorists to drive more slowly and watch for pedestrians when entering a commercial, business, or residential district from a higher speed roadway
  • Create a unique image for an area

Considerations

  • Traffic-slowing effects will depend upon the device chosen and the overall traffic-calming plan for the area.
  • Estimated cost

    Varies widely depending on the measures chosen.