Middlesex Dr. between Marvin and Ilger has been selected to be part of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of narrowing the road as a traffic calming device in the neighborhood as part of our Vision Zero plan.
Vision Zero is a philosophy that emphasizes road safety for all users and aims to completely eliminate roadway fatalities. The goal is to create a road that is a safer place for kids to play, neighbors to walk their dogs, and bike riders to travel. As drivers acclimate to the change, we hope to see a reduction in speed along this section of Middlesex.
Trial Results
| Location | Date | Average Daily Traffic | Average Speed | 85% Speed |
| Middlesex, Central to Marvin | March 2023 | 1323 | 28.5 mph | 35.8 mph |
| December 2023 | 1281 | 24.9 mph | 32.7 mph | |
| Middlesex, Marvin to Ilger | March 2023 | 1222 | 25.2 mph | 33.4 mph |
| December 2023 | 1166 | 24.9 mph | 32.5 mph | |
| Middlesex, Ilger to Carskaddon | March 2023 | 1152 | 26.6 mph | 33.9 mph |
| December 2023 | 1106 | 23.3 mph | 30.0 mph |
The adjusted average daily traffic shows the number of cars traveling along Middlesex with a pre-determined factor added to account for normal seasonal fluctuations. Traffic volumes on Middlesex have remained steady.
The average speed is just that, the average speed of all vehicles traveling on Middlesex. Average speeds dropped in each block, even the ones without the trial narrowing.
The 85% speed is what engineering studies rely on when doing traffic and speed studies. This is the speed that 85% of the vehicles are traveling at or below on the roadway. This data shows that the 85% speed dropped in each block, even the ones where the trial narrowing was not set up.
Speed is Deadly
Speed is a deadly factor in car crashes. A pedestrian hit by a driver at 40mph per hour has only a 20% chance of survival, whereas a pedestrian hit at 20mph has a 90% chance of surviving the crash. Traffic calming measures, like narrowing the road, are designed to slow cars down to make crashes less dangerous.
Download Safety over Speed Fact SheetWhat Neighbors Should Know
Parking is still permitted along both sides of Middlesex along the flexiposts, approximately 2’ from the curb.
You might see equipment used to monitor traffic installed including rubber hoses across the road, traffic cameras, or city vehicles. We will be collecting data over the course of the pilot.
Travel at the speed you feel comfortable driving through narrowed road and yield to oncoming traffic in between parked cars.
At the end of the study, you will receive a letter in the mail with a survey to get your feedback on the pilot project. You can also submit comments through the form below.