Arlington Releases New Traffic Calming Guide For Future Road Safety Projects

ARLINGTON, MA — The town has released a new Traffic Calming Guide that outlines how future roadway safety projects will be identified, prioritized and designed throughout the community.

According to the town, the guide establishes a consistent process for implementing traffic-calming improvements intended to reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety and make streets more comfortable for people walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, and driving.

"Our streets should be safe and comfortable for everyone, whether they're walking to school, biking to work, taking the bus, or driving across town," Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker said. "The Traffic Calming Guide provides a clear, transparent framework for how Arlington will prioritize safety improvements using proven design strategies that reduce speeding and make our neighborhoods more livable."

The guide was developed with transportation planning consultant Neighborways Design and with input from town staff, including the Department of Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department and Town Manager's Office, as well as the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee and community members.

Town officials said traffic calming relies on physical roadway features, including raised crosswalks, curb extensions, crossing islands and speed humps, to encourage slower driving speeds and improve safety for all roadway users. The guide also outlines the process for developing future projects, beginning with an initial assessment and community engagement before moving through engineering, construction and post-project evaluation.

Priority will be given to locations near schools, parks, playgrounds, the Minuteman Bikeway, and intersections with documented safety concerns. Residents may also submit requests for future traffic-calming projects through the town's Roadway Safety Request Form, though officials note that requests will be reviewed alongside other townwide priorities and available funding.

The guide also addresses several common misconceptions surrounding traffic calming. The document claims that roadway design changes are generally more effective at reducing speeding over the long term than stop signs or increased police enforcement alone. The guide notes that stop signs are intended to control right-of-way rather than slow traffic, while physical roadway features are designed to encourage lower travel speeds.

The Traffic Calming Guide builds on several transportation initiatives the town has adopted in recent years. It implements a recommendation from the Connect Arlington Sustainable Transportation Plan, a 20-year transportation strategy adopted in 2021, and supports Arlington's Complete Streets Policy, Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, townwide 25 mph speed limit, and 20 mph Safety Zones near schools, parks and commercial centers.

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