Spinnaker Point Traffic Calming Pilot FAQs

What is traffic calming? 

Traffic calming consists of physical design and other measures put in place on existing roads to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic calming measures are intended to improve conditions for non-motorized street users and can be implemented at an intersection, street, neighborhood, or area-wide level. 

What is being proposed as part of the pilot project? 

The pilot project includes implementation of three types of traffic calming measures in the Spinnaker/Baypoint Neighborhood:  

• Traffic Circle at the Spinnaker Point Drive/Catalina Boulevard Intersection;  
• Curb and Median Extensions at the Spinnaker Point Drive/Newport Way intersection; and  
• Midblock Speed Hump on Spinnaker Point Drive between Bahia Way and Catalina Boulevard traffic circle, curb and median extensions, and midblock speed hump.  

Temporary, low-cost, durable materials are being selected for the installation of these improvements.  

What is a traffic circle?  

A traffic circle is a circular intersection treatment where traffic flows continuously in a counterclockwise direction around a central island. Vehicles entering the intersection yield to traffic already circulating. This design is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of crashes compared to traditional intersections with only stop signs or traffic signals.  

What is curb and median extension?  

Curb and median extensions consist of extension of the raised sidewalk and medians towards the roadway to reduce the size of an intersection, typically to slow down motorized traffic and make crossing safer and more comfortable for people walking, biking or other non-motorized means. For this project, these extensions would be facilitated by surface mounted elements such as rubber curbs, surface-mounted posts, and paint. 

What is a midblock speed hump?  

A midblock speed hump is a raised area of pavement or other material installed across a roadway between intersections to slow down vehicular traffic. For this project, these speed humps would be surface mounted rubber components similar to what is currently installed along Catalina Boulevard. 

How long is the pilot project?  

The pilot project will be six (6) months long following the anticipated completion of its improvements in September 2024.  

How will the pilot project be evaluated? 

During the pilot period, the City will collect feedback from the community and perform periods of observations and data collection to understand the relative effectiveness of these treatments.  After the conclusion of the six-month pilot period, the City will discuss the findings of the pilot project with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meeting, estimated to occur in February 2025.  

How can I provide feedback on this pilot project? 

Feedback on the traffic calming pilot project is being collected through the online input form at the top of this webpage. For assistance with submitting the form, please reach out to the Department of Public Works mainline at 415-485-3355.