Replacing speed bumps with chicanes: modernizing India's traffic calming strategy

Abstract

Urban regions across the globe are progressively using traffic calming strategies to lower traffic speeds and improve road safety. Certain measures, such as chicanes, are used as a lateral or horizontal shift in the carriageway with the intention of reducing speed. The current research aims to investigate the overall impact of speed bumps, which were either removed or replaced in response to its discomfort and public outcry. A crossing 85th percentile speed range of 12–15 km/h was observed at the speed bumps. In a pilot study, chicanes as a replacement showed an average of 49% speed reduction compared with 62% by speed bumps in mixed traffic conditions. A sample size of 5000 vehicles was used to assess the speed profiles. Despite comparatively high crossing speeds, chicanes still serve the purpose by reducing speeds to less than 25 km/h. Simulation was performed and estimated through node evaluation using a micro-simulation tool, to replicate and compare parameters such as queue delay and acceleration, reflecting how drivers might behave inside the influence range where speed bump was replaced. It was perceived that while deciding the most appropriate calming measure, the geometric attributes, speed profiles, and public opinion should be considered before implementation.