ACTS

Roadway Friendliness Tool

Treatment 13: Channelizing Islands

Michigan Standard: The Michigan MUTCD Section 3D-3 suggests that the curb should be painted. Other items shown here are optional in Michigan and national design guidance.

Where might you find this on your system: You might find this treatment at intersections involving one or more multi-lane roads, particularly with designated turn lanes.

Recommendation: Traffic islands simplify traffic flow by separating and guiding individual traffic movements. Because they raise the visibility of an island, curbs are recommended for all right turn islands, and for left turn islands with speeds below 40 mph. Curb painting on the curved part of the island further increases the visibility of the motorist's required turning path. The pedestrian treatments highlighted in the above photo show how to accommodate pedestrians without losing the attention value of the raised curb.

Conflicts with other community goals: No conflicts have been identified.

Ease of implementation: It is fairly simple to construct a curbed island on top of an existing painted (flush) island. Typically, concrete is chosen for curb material, with no need to cut into existing pavement. The island interior is usually constructed of asphalt or concrete, but may include addition of dirt as a sub-layer. The most time-consuming aspect is probably construction of wooden forms to define the curving path of the curb. A two-person crew is needed to install these islands using small power machines, with lane closures required.

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Roadway Friendliness Tool