Traffic Calming Guidelines







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. . . reducing the speed and volume of traffic to acceptable levels

Revised 2006

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 1 of 35

 This publication is designed to provide Internet users with direct links to referenced
documents. All blue Internet addresses can be single clicked to open the appropriate sites. If
this feature is not available, users should upgrade their Acrobat Reader software to the latest
version at the following Adobe Web site.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 2 of 35

SCDOT Traffic Calming Guidelines Table of Contents
Acknowledgements..............................................................................................................4
Introduction .........................................................................................................................5
What Is Traffic Calming? ......................................................................................................5
Eligibility Criteria .................................................................................................................6
Residential ................................................................................................................6
Central Business District ...........................................................................................6
Traffic Calming Project Process ............................................................................................7
Maintenance........................................................................................................................9
Information Resources .......................................................................................................10
Funding .............................................................................................................................10

Appendix A — Traffic Calming Measures, Construction Details .........................................11

Speed Humps (Parabolic, Flat Topped) ..................................................................11
Raised Crosswalks and Raised Intersections ............................................................16
Traffic Circles and Roundabouts .............................................................................20
Raised Landscaped Medians ..................................................................................23
Road Closures ........................................................................................................25
Physically Reducing Lane Widths ...........................................................................26
Standard Traffic Control Devices ............................................................................27
Appendix B — Traffic Calming References and Photographs .............................................28
Appendix C — Application and Checklist ..........................................................................28
Appendix D — All Way Stop Control Guidelines ...............................................................31
Appendix E — SCDOT Contacts .......................................................................................33
Appendix F — Traffic Calming Agreement Program ..........................................................34

For ease of use, Table of Contents page numbers match Adobe Reader page numbers.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 3 of 35

Acknowledgements
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Millennium Edition. US Department
of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/
“Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Traffic Calming…for Communities.”
http://www.ite.org/traffic/index.html
City of Greensboro, North Carolina – Multi-Way Stop Policy. 300 W. Washington Street, PO
Box 3136, Greensboro, NC 27402-3136. http://www.greensboro-nc.gov
“Residential Traffic Calming Guide.” Virginia Department of Transportation, Traffic
Engineering Division. 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219, (803 786-2966).
http://virginiadot.org
Traffic Calming Design Manual. Delaware Department of Transportation. P.O. Box 778,
Dover, DE 19903, (302-760-2080). http://www.state.de.us/deldot/
City of Portland, Oregon, USA – Office of Transportation. Traffic Calming Program.
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=40520
Photographs:
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) “Traffic Calming…for Communities.”
http://www.ite.org/traffic/index.html
Reid Ewing, Research Professor, Rutgers University, 33 Livingston Ave., Suite 400, New
Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Traffic Engineering
South Carolina Department of Transportation
955 Park Street
Columbia, SC 29201
http://www.scdot.org

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 4 of 35

Introduction
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) maintains the fourth
largest state highway system in the nation. The majority of these roads are secondary
routes that can be classified as minor collectors or local streets. Many of these roadways
serve property that is zoned as residential. As such, the SCDOT receives numerous requests
from local governments and individuals to address the cut-through and speeding traffic
within neighborhoods. In an effort to mitigate these problems, the SCDOT has developed
Traffic Calming Guidelines to assist local governments in addressing these concerns.

What is Traffic Calming?

The Institute of Transportation Engineers’ (ITE) publication Traffic Calming: State
of the Practice defines traffic calming as “the combination of mainly physical measures
that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve
conditions for non-motorized street users.” The SCDOT considers traffic calming to include
physical and visual measures, as well as enforcement and educational activities.
Desired Results:
The immediate purpose of traffic calming is to reduce the speed and volume of traffic
to acceptable levels (“acceptable” for the functional class of a street and the nature of
bordering activity). Intermediate goals are to reduce accidents and to provide safer
environments for pedestrians and children. Urban redevelopment and the reduction of
noise, pollution, and crime are long-term goals.
Partnerships for Successful Traffic Calming Programs:
Engineering applications, enforcement cooperation, education of motorists, and
economics typically determine the success of any traffic-calming endeavor, whether it
is an on-going program or an individual project. Therefore a partnership between the
various entities, such as the SCDOT, the local government and the local Metropolitan
Planning Organizations (MPO) or Councils of Government (COG), effected to address
these various areas, will be beneficial to the traffic calming process. See Appendix F.
Each traffic-calming project should include a community awareness and education
component. This should include some of the following public awareness measures:
• Distribution of traffic safety brochures within the neighborhood, area schools, and
businesses.
• Presentations from a mix of educational programs, such as child safety seats,
seatbelt usage, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, Operation Lifesaver, enforcement
presentations (DPS), safety belt use, and safe driving tips.
• If a school is in the impacted area, a safe walking route to school should be identified
when appropriate.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 5 of 35

 • Some useful resource materials can be found at the following Web sites:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
http://www.madd.org/
http://www.scdot.org/inside/highwaypolicy/statistics.shtml
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/media/catalog/index.cfm
http://www.scdps.org/ohs
Each traffic-calming project should also be endorsed by the local enforcement agencies
and should include a commitment from them for increased presence/enforcement activity
in the area. In addition to the traditional role of enforcing speed limits through issuing
tickets, the police may also increase the community’s awareness of speeding problems.
The following measures are recommended:
• Public service announcements to reinforce that the results of speeding are tickets
and accidents.
• Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART). A mobile trailer equipped
with a radar gun and a speed limit sign, SMART shows motorists how fast they are
traveling in comparison with the posted speed limit.
• Enforcement of speed limits.

Eligibility Criteria (All of the following must be met)

Residential:
• Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
• 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
• Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
• The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
• Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
• Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any street
which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a
mile or more.”
Central Business District:
• Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
• 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
• The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
• Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South Carolina:
“Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any street which is
built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses situated at
intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.”

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 6 of 35

 The eligibility criteria were written to ensure traffic calming measures are installed
in appropriate areas. The SCDOT has patterned its policy after successful programs in
other states, particularly Virginia and Delaware. Each of these programs based installation
eligibility on volume, characteristics of the area, grades, sight distance, and neighborhood
acceptance. For example, there are high volume roadways, classified as either major
collectors or minor or major arterials, where traffic calming could potentially reduce
roadway capacity to an undesirable level. These roadways are ineligible for any physical
traffic calming measures, and enforcement, education, and engineering studies are the
best methods to address speeding issues.
The installation of speed bumps, chicanes, or other measures that reduce the total two-
way travel area to less than 20 feet in width are not eligible traffic calming measures within
the SCDOT’s right of way. In addition, if the proposed physical traffic calming measure
compromises roadway safety, based on limited sight distance, severe grades, or other
engineering judgment, the measure is not eligible for approval. The local government,
or designated agent, is responsible for maintaining traffic calming measures and any
landscaping, signing, or pavement markings associated with these measures.

Traffic Calming Project Process

Requests received by the SCDOT for traffic calming measures will be referred to the
local government to determine eligibility. The local government should proceed with the
necessary information gathering to determine project eligibility, planning, and feasibility.
It is imperative that the planning phase address area-wide projects and not just spot
improvements to ensure the impacted area is compatible with the proposed traffic calming
measures. The SCDOT will provide a review of the area to ensure that traffic
control devices are appropriately installed and will make changes as needed
for safety, based on available funding and priorities. Traffic calming proposals
should be the responsibility of the local government.
1. Determine if area is eligible for traffic calming.
2. Initial Reviews are to be performed by the local government or designated agent
and submitted to the appropriate SCDOT District Traffic Engineer (see Appendix E,
SCDOT Contacts or http://www.scdot.org/inside/engineering_directory.shtml) and shall
include the following information:
• Application Form (Appendix C, Application and Checklist).
o Description of problem: cut-through traffic, speeding, safety, etc.
o General idea of the requested calming measures and which streets they are
requested on.
o Verification of the eligibility.
• Description of impacted areas, with map. (The impacted area is generally a
neighborhood area, but can be the same as the petition area, as defined by local
government in cooperation with the SCDOT.)

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 7 of 35

 • Description of petition area, with map. (The petition area is the area bounded
by surrounding collector or arterial roads, as defined by local government in
cooperation with the SCDOT.)
• Average Daily Traffic volumes, with directional splits for peak hours, within petition
area.
• Average speed and/or 85th percentile speed in both directions within petition
area.
• Existing speed limits on roadways within impacted area.
• Graphical representation of all traffic control devices (signs, markings, and signals)
within impacted area.
• Description of roadways in impacted area including width, pavement condition,
curb and gutter, sidewalks, shoulder width, ditch type, etc.
• Character of area including current property zoning, current use, facilities such as
schools, parks, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
3. Based on the initial review, the SCDOT may require additional information on
specific roadways within the impacted area, as follows:
• Speed studies for both directions on calming requested roadways.
• Turning volume movements, as necessary (as determined by the SCDOT).
• Percentage of cut-through traffic (origin/destination studies).
4. The project should be developed with the input from representatives from the
petition area, the impacted area, any affected homeowners associations, local government
staff including police, fire, rescue, traffic engineering, and roadway maintenance personnel,
and other appropriate persons. The SCDOT will provide assistance as necessary to provide
information to the group concerning eligible traffic calming measures.
• The project should outline how the measure will give the desired results, the effects
of the traffic calming measures on adjacent streets, and any other possible positive
and negative effects.
• The project should address each of the four aspects of traffic calming, including
enforcement, education, economic feasibility, and engineering solutions.
• The project should include a cost estimate for the traffic calming measures including
installation and maintenance.
• The project should include a statement from the local government indicating its
intent to provide all on-going maintenance of the traffic calming measure within
the State’s right of way.
5. Once completed, the project should be submitted to the SCDOT for final review,
along with a petition indicating concurrence and signed by at least 75% of the total
occupied households within the petition area or approval of the city or county council.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 8 of 35

 6. Upon the SCDOT’s approval, an encroachment permit will be issued to install traffic
calming measures. Temporary measures such as sandbags and cones may be required
to determine the effectiveness and the workability of traffic calming measures (traffic
circles, landscaped medians, chokers, and others as determined to be necessary). This
requirement should be stipulated in the permit and will provide on observation period
under real traffic conditions. Within three months, the SCDOT’s District Engineering
Administrator will determine if the permanent measure can be installed.
Upon completion of any traffic-calming project, an evaluation should be performed
within one year of installation to determine the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
The local government should perform this evaluation to improve designs for future
projects and to determine what measures work for various problems. If safety problems
are encountered, the SCDOT reserves the right to remove any traffic calming
measure installed within the State’s right of way.
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee the approval of a traffic calming
project or measure.
• Measures not eligible within the SCDOT right of way: speed bumps and chicanes,
or other measures, such as installation of curbed areas that reduce the total two
way travel area to less than 20 feet in width. These are not considered appropriate
measures based on safety and accessibility and should not be proposed for
installation within the State’s right of way. (The local government may
exercise the option to remove the roadway from the State’s system, if
the appropriate criterion is met.)
• Traffic calming measures are not eligible if they compromise roadway safety, based
on limited sight distance, severe grades, or other engineering judgment. (The
SCDOT may recommend other measures. Approval will only be given if safety is
not compromised.)
• Traffic calming measures are not eligible if the petition requiring 75% support or
city/county council approval cannot be obtained. (There may be some solutions
acceptable to one portion of the impacted area that is not acceptable to another
portion of the impacted area. Citizen support of the project is necessary for a
successful program.)

Maintenance
The SCDOT will maintain approved traffic control devices, such as signs, signals, and
pavement markings, as outlined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The
local government, or designated agent, will maintain traffic calming measures and any
landscaping, special signing, or pavement markings associated with these measures.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 9 of 35

Informational Resources
The SCDOT will provide any information that is readily available such as roadway
plans, traffic counts, and previous traffic studies. In addition, any applicable SCDOT
technical information, traffic calming program resources, books, Web sites, standards, and
specifications will be available for review as a guide to setting up these Traffic Calming
Programs locally. (See Appendix B, Traffic Calming References and Photographs.)

Funding
The SCDOT does not have a designated funding source for traffic calming programs
or projects at this time. The local government will be responsible for obtaining the funding
for the traffic calming projects. Traffic calming projects may be eligible for the following
funding sources, depending on the proposed measures and the characteristics of the
area:
• C-funds, administered by the County Transportation Committee.
• Local governmental agency funds, administered by each elected body of leadership.
• Public/private grants/partnerships.
• Transportation Enhancement Funds.
• Residential or user assessments.
• Other available funding sources as suggested by area Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPO) or Councils of Government (COG)
http://www.scdot.org/inside/planning_faq.shtml#COG

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 10 of 35

Appendix A — Traffic Calming Measures
The installation of speed bumps, chicanes, or other measures that reduce the total two-
way travel area to less than 20 feet in width are not eligible traffic calming measures within
the SCDOT right of way. In addition, if the proposed physical traffic calming measure
compromises roadway safety, based on limited sight distance, severe grades, or other
engineering judgement, the measure is not eligible for approval. The local government,
or designated agent, is responsible for maintaining traffic calming measures and any
landscaping, signing, or pavement markings associated with these measures.
Speed Humps (Parabolic, Flat Topped)

• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).

— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 11 of 35
 • Insure positive roadway drainage (mandatory).
• Horizontal curve of 300 foot radius or more (mandatory).
• Vertical curve with adequate stopping sight distance (mandatory).
• Grade of 8% or less (mandatory).
• Minimum 40% cut through traffic (desirable).
• No more than 5% long wheelbase vehicles (desirable).
• Not on primary emergency response route or bus route (desirable).
• The average speed exceeds posted limit by 5 mph or more or the 85th percentile
speed exceeds posted limit by 10 mph or more (desirable).
• Spacing no less than 350 feet. Spacing should be designed to achieve desired
speed limit (mandatory).
• Designed and installed in accordance with specifications and construction details
shown in Appendix A, including Signage and Markings (mandatory).
• Coordinate with resurfacing schedules to prevent conflict (mandatory).
Construction Details — Speed Humps (Flat topped, Parabolic)
SIGNS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Materials for the signs should be high intensity type sheeting.
• Use W17-1, as indicated below.
• Section 2C.24 SPEED HUMP/BUMP sign (W17-1).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf
• Signs are to be placed at the Speed Hump, on both approaches with the appropriate
Advisory speed plate, in accordance with 2C.46.
Section 2C.46 Advisory Speed Plaque (W13-1).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf
• Supplemental W17-1 signs may be needed in advance of the hump, if adequate
sight distance is not available, as indicated in Table 2C-4, MUTCD. If used,
provide Supplemental Plaque in accordance with Section 2C.43 and 2C.40,
indicating “AHEAD” or a Distance Plaque in accordance with Section 2C.41.
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf
Section 2C.43 Use of Supplemental Plaques, (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf
Section 2C.45 Distance Plaques (W16-2 and W16-3) (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 12 of 35

MARKINGS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Materials for the markings should be the thermoplastic or other heat applied
markings, as approved by the SCDOT’s Resident Maintenance Engineer.
• Apply as indicated on page 13, using option A, as shown in Figure 3B-28 for
parabolic humps or option A, as shown in Figure 3B-29 for flat topped humps.
Section 3B.26 Speed Hump Markings, page 66 and 69 (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch3.pdf
Section 3B.27 Speed Hump Markings, page 66 and 69 (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch3.pdf

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 13 of 35

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Raised Crosswalks and Raised Intersections

Raised crosswalk adapted for use on a one-way street.

• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).

— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
• Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any street
which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a
mile or more.”
• Insure positive roadway drainage (mandatory).
• Horizontal curve of 300 foot radius or more (mandatory).

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 16 of 35

 • Vertical curve with adequate stopping sight distance (mandatory).
• Grade of 8% or less (mandatory).
• Pedestrian volume, school area, central business district (desirable).
• Signal or stop control spacing greater than 1280’ (desirable).
• The average speed exceeds posted limit by 5 mph or more or the 85th percentile
speed exceeds posted limit by 10 mph or more (desirable).
• Designed and installed in accordance with specifications and construction details
shown in Appendix A, including Signage and Markings (mandatory).
• Coordinate with resurfacing schedules to prevent conflict (mandatory).
Construction Details — Raised Crosswalks and Raised Intersections
SIGNS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Section 2C.41 Crossing Signs (W11-1, W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W16-7P).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2C.pdf
MARKINGS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Materials for the markings should be thermoplastic or other heat applied
markings.
• Use the same markings as for speed humps, in accordance with MUTCD Section
3B.26 Speed Hump Markings, using option A, as shown in Figure 3B-29, page
13.
• In addition, provide Crosswalk Markings as indicated below:
Section 3B.17 Crosswalk Markings (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch3.pdf

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 17 of 35

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Traffic Circles and Roundabouts

• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).

— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
• Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any street
which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a
mile or more.”
• Insure positive roadway drainage (mandatory).
• The average speed exceeds posted limit by 5 mph or more or the 85th percentile
speed exceeds posted limit by 10 mph or more (desirable).

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 20 of 35

 • Temporary traffic control measures installed on a trial basis to determine motorists’
compliance and maneuverability. A permanent installation may be constructed
under an approved encroachment permit (mandatory).
• Designed and installed in accordance with specifications and construction details
shown in Appendix A, including Signage and Markings (mandatory).
Construction Details — Traffic Circles and Roundabouts
SIGNS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Material for the signs should be high intensity type sheeting.
• In accordance with MUTCD Figure 3B-26, 3B-27, Using R1-2 (Yield Signs), W11-2
(Pedestrian Crossing Signs).
MARKINGS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• Materials for the markings should be thermoplastic or other heat applied markings
as approved by the SCDOT’s Resident Maintenance Engineer.
• In accordance with MUTCD as indicated below:
Section 3B.24 Markings for Roundabouts (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch3.pdf

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 21 of 35

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Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 22 of 35
Raised Landscaped Medians

• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).

— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites are not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
• Insure positive roadway drainage (mandatory).
• The average speed exceeds posted limit by 5 mph or more or the 85th percentile
speed exceeds posted limit by 10 mph or more (desirable).
• Temporary traffic control measures installed on a trial basis to determine motorists’
compliance and maneuverability. A permanent installation may be constructed
under an approved encroachment permit (mandatory).

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 23 of 35

 • Designed and Installed in accordance with specifications and construction details
shown in Appendix A, including Signage and Markings (mandatory).
Construction Details — Raised Landscape Medians
SIGNS (In accordance with MUTCD)
• At ends of median islands, use R4-7, as indicated below:
Section 2B.33 Keep Right and Keep Left Signs (R4-7, R4-8) (from MUTCD).
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2B.pdf
• Landscaping shall be accomplished in accordance with the SCDOT’s
Access and Roadside Management Standards (ARMS).
http://www.scdot.org/doing/pdfs/ARMS.pdf

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 24 of 35

Road Closures

• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).

— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
• A detailed analysis should be submitted showing where the traffic will be redistributed.
If redistributed to main line roadways, documentation showing adequate capacity
to handle this redistribution is required (mandatory).

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 25 of 35

Physically Reducing Lane Widths
• All eligibility requirements below must be met (mandatory).
— Residential —
o Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes and may have parking).
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites are not eligible.
o Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
— Central Business District —
o Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT.
o 30 (or less) mph speed limit.
o The primary access to commercial or industrial sites is not eligible.
o Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws of South
Carolina: “Urban district means the territory contiguous to and including any
street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling
houses situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a
quarter of a mile or more.”
• Insure positive roadway drainage (mandatory).
• The average speed exceeds posted limit by 5 mph or more or the 85th percentile
speed exceeds posted limit by 10 mph or more (desirable).
• Minimum 20 foot width required, if existing roadway width is less than 20 feet, no
further reduction will be allowed with two-way traffic (mandatory).
• Reducing lane widths is permissible as long as the local traffic and service and
emergency vehicles can be accommodated. Examples are:
o Construction of a curb and gutter section with a sidewalk.
o Neck-downs where on-street parking is permitted.
o Raised mid-block landscaped areas adjacent to on-street parking.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 26 of 35

Standard Traffic Control Devices
All standard traffic control devices are required to be installed according to the guidelines
set forth within the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The SCDOT
will maintain these approved traffic control devices, such as signs, signals and pavement
markings, as outlined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• All Way Stop Control (AWSC) — The SCDOT will follow the criteria shown in
Appendix D for installation of all-way stop control.
• Reduction of Speed Limits — As outlined within the MUTCD and by state
law.
• Pedestrian Crossing signs and crosswalks — As outlined within the MUTCD
and by state law.
• School Zone signing — As outlined within the MUTCD.
• Visually Reducing Lane Widths — Reducing lane widths to discourage speeding
or provide a bike lane, by installing pavement markings.
http://www.scdot.org/getting/bikeped/Bp_default.shtml

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 27 of 35

Appendix B — Traffic Calming References and Photographs
The following link connects users to the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ “Traffic
Calming . . . for Communities” Web site concerning the current state of traffic calming
practices. The SCDOT does not necessarily endorse all the practices shown there but is
providing this link for information only.
http://www.ite.org/traffic/index.html

Appendix C — Application and Check List

The Traffic Calming Application, as shown on the next two pages, should be filled out
by the local governmental agency and submitted to the appropriate SCDOT District Office
for review and approval.
The following link can be used to determine the proper SCDOT Engineering District
for each county: http://www.scdot.org/inside/engineering_directory.shtml.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 28 of 35

 scdot Application for Traffic Calming

Applicant ____________________________________ County ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________ Location _____________________________________

_____________________________________________ Road/Route #________________________________

Contact Person ______________________________ Road Name __________________________________

Telephone Number ___________________________ Boundaries ___________________________________

Residential Central Business District Attach additional documentation as needed

Description of Problem (cut-through traffic, speeding, safety) ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

General idea of the requested calming measures and which streets they are requested on

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Verification of eligibility (All of the following are to be met)

Residential
† Functional Classification = local residential or minor collector
† 30 (or less) mph speed limit
† Two-lane roadway (may have turn lanes & may have parking)
† The primary accesses to commercial or industrial sites are not eligible
† Traffic volume less than 4000 AADT
† Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws: “Urban district means the territory contiguous
to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.”

Central Business District

† Traffic Volume less than 6000 AADT
† 30 (or less) mph speed limit
† The primary accesses to commercial or industrial sites are not eligible
† Within Urban District as defined in Section 56-5-1520 Code of Laws: “Urban district means the territory contiguous
to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses
situated at intervals of less than one hundred feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 29 of 35

 CHECKLIST FOR INITIAL REVIEW

† Description of impacted area, with map (The impacted area is generally a neighborhood area, but can be the
same as the petition area, as defined by local government in cooperation with SCDOT.)
† Description of petition area, with map (The petition area is the area bounded by surrounding collector or arterial
roads, as defined by local government in cooperation with SCDOT)
† Functional classification for each roadway within impacted area (Examples: Major Arterial, Minor Arterial, Major
Collector, Minor Collector, Local Residential)
† Average daily traffic volumes, with directional splits for peak hours, within petition area
† Average speed and 85th percentile speed in both directions within petition area
† Existing speed limit within impacted area
† Graphical representation of all traffic control devices, signs, markings, and signals within impacted area, including
speed limits, stop signs, school zones, etc.
† Character of area including current zoning, current use, facilities such as schools, parks, hospitals, nursing homes,
etc.
† Description of roadways in impacted area including width, pavement condition, curb and gutter, sidewalks, shoulder
width, ditch type, etc.

Additional Information Required TO BE FILLED OUT BY SCDOT

† Speed Studies for both † Turning volume movements at † Percentage of cut-through
directions on the intersection of traffic on

† Require additional information

DEA Approval (Temporary Measures)
† Project information completed
† City/Council approval obtained
† Petition with signatures obtained
_________________________________________
† Approval contingent upon:
__________________________________
DEA Approval (Permanent Measures)
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________ _________________________________________

Applicant may proceed with submitting Encroachment Permit Application for installation of
Traffic Calming Measures

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 30 of 35

Appendix D — All Way Stop Control Guidelines
A recent review of several multi-way stop installations, where warrants, outlined in
the MUTCD, were met, revealed an overall reduction in accident history at each location
studied. Multi-way stops, when used appropriately, may improve the safety of an
intersection. The SCDOT receives many requests for multi-way stop installations to reduce
or eliminate speeding on residential streets. Studies have shown that the installation of
stop sign for speed control:
• Does not reduce the overall speed along the street.
• Does break up the flow of traffic, resulting in slower speeds at the intersection.
• Does reroute some traffic to parallel streets within the network.
We understand there has been a strong request by various cities around the country to
obtain a different set of criteria for multi-way stop installations for residential streets in order
to give neighborhoods more flexibility in planning where they want their traffic to go. In an
effort to be more flexible and more responsive to a community traffic plan, the SCDOT is
willing to implement a trial set of warrants, for review and evaluation, to determine if they
are appropriate for traffic calming and neighborhood traffic management purposes.
MUTCD All Way Stop Control Warrants
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices sets forth guidelines for the installation
of traffic control devices on streets and at intersections.
See http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1/Ch2B.pdf, Section SB.007 Multiway Stop
Applications.
If any of the following items are met, the Multiway Stop Control Warrants outlined in
the MUTCD should be applied:
• At intersections that include at least one street classified as a major collector or
arterial.
• Any intersections not within a residential zoning district.
• On any street where Federal funds were used to wide, beautify, or otherwise
improve.
• On any non-stopped street with an average daily traffic volume (ADT) exceeding
4000 vehicles per day (VPD).
All Way Stop Control Warrants for Traffic Calming Eligible Roadways
A trial set of reduced warrants are outlined below and may be considered by the
SCDOT if the following conditions are met:
1. Intersections with non-removable sight obstruction problems, or

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 31 of 35

 2. Intersections of low volume streets providing that ALL the following conditions are
met:
• The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches averages
a minimum of 200 vehicles per hour for at least any four-hour period during a
typical weekday.
• In addition to the vehicular volumes specified above, the vehicular volume entering
the intersection from the minor street or streets for the same four hours averages at
least 100 vehicles per hour.
• Both streets have residential frontage and existing speed limits of 30 mph or less.
• Neither street is classified as a major collector of greater by the SCDOT.
• Neither street exceeds 36 feet in width (excluding medians).
• No existing stop signs or traffic signal is located on the free-flow street within a
distance of 1,200 feet of the proposed stop location.
• The intersection legs extend at least 600 feet or more away from the intersection.
• The total volume of the non-stopped street does not exceed 4000 vehicles per
day.
• The proposed multi-way stop location fits within an identified system plan.
If all the above criteria are met, and engineering judgment dictates denial of the all way
stop control installation due to safety issues or other concerns, the SCDOT reserves the
right to deny the installation.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 32 of 35

Appendix E — SCDOT Contacts

Engineering District 1
District Traffic Engineer
1400 Shop Road
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-6660
Engineering District 2
District Traffic Engineer
510 West Alexander Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29646
(864) 227-6971
Engineering District 3
District Traffic Engineer
2525 South Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 241-1010
Engineering District 4
District Traffic Engineer
PO Box 130
Chester, SC 29706
(803) 377-4155
Engineering District 5
District Traffic Engineer
PO Box 1911
Florence, SC 29503
(843) 661-4710
Engineering District 6
District Traffic Engineer
6355 Fain Street
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 740-1665
Engineering District 7
District Traffic Engineer
PO Box 1086
Orangeburg, SC 29116
(803) 531-6850

The following link can be used to determine the proper SCDOT Engineering District
for each county: http://www.scdot.org/inside/engineering_directory.shtml.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 33 of 35

Appendix F — Traffic Calming Agreement Program
Since traffic calming involves many variables, and is a relatively new endeavor, the
SCDOT is providing the following information for local governments if they desire to enter
into an agreement to perform ongoing Traffic Calming Projects. The agreement will clarify
the responsibilities of the local government and the SCDOT. Since local governments have
varying staffing capabilities, the local government may also enter into an agreement with
the appropriate Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) or Councils of Government
(COG). The following site http://www.scdot.org/inside/planning_faq.shtml#COG will
assist in obtaining the required information.
When used, the proposed agreement between the SCDOT and the local government
should address the following issues, and may include other items, as necessary:
Local Government responsibilities:
• Coordination with residents, emergency personnel, service personnel.
• Information gathering and analysis by qualified professional personnel.
• Funding for installation.
• On-going maintenance of traffic calming measures.
• Funding for removal (in case where the local government becomes unhappy with
measure or where safety issues arise).
• Commitment to enforce traffic control devices.
• Commitment to traffic safety education endeavors.
SCDOT responsibilities:
• Resources for educational materials.
• Technical assistance during the review process.
• Any readily available information or drawings, such as previous studies, counts,
roadway plans.
• Typical details for traffic calming measures.
If staff is not available to assist local governments with the traffic calming
endeavors, the local government may request assistance from the area
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) or Councils of Government (COG):
http://www.scdot.org/inside/planning_faq.shtml#COG.
An agreement may be established between the local government and the appropriate
planning entity addressing the following issues:
Local Government responsibilities:
• Funding for information gathering or coordination efforts.

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 34 of 35

COG responsibilities:
• Any available maps and traffic data.
• Assistance with developing a program or a specific plan.
• Any needed Annual Average Daily Traffic volumes (AADT) and/or turning movement
counts, speed studies, origin/destination studies, roadway classifications, graphical
representation of existing conditions. (The COG may not have staff to perform this
type of data collection. Therefore, this information may need to be obtained from
an outside company.)

Traffic Calming Guidelines Page 35 of 35