The Stamford Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Department is responsible for the management and allocation of space within the City’s public rights-of-way. In other words, how people and vehicles use City streets. A core part of Stamford’s Vision Zero commitment is for streets to be designed with all road users’ safety as the number one priority.

The following are examples of tools and treatments the Department may use as it redesigns streets for safety subject to engineering review and judgement. Redesign projects may be implemented first as pilots using materials like paint and plastic bollards before a final design is set in asphalt and concrete. These tools are based on best practices from cities around the country and represent merely a sample of how streets can be re-envisioned. Multiple tools may be necessary for any one street or intersection, and no one tool will fit all situations. Any implemented solution is subject to planning and engineering review and judgement. 

Stamford TTP would like to acknowledge the City of Boston, National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and our Vision Zero Plan consultants, Street Plans, for influencing the creation of this list.

Three Areas to Improve Safety

There are three core areas when designing for roadway safety.

                                        Crossings                                           Turning                                                Traveling Speeds

Crossings – where pedestrians and cyclists must cross alongside or against oncoming vehicle traffic.

Turning – intersections where vehicles make turns alongside other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Traveling speed – areas of roadways where drivers tend to drive too fast, violating the posted speed limit.

The tools listed below can be used in different combinations to address these safety scenarios. Mouse over the images to see the scenarios in which they can be applied. Click on the picture to learn more.