Road Diet Benefits: Enhancing Safety and Accessibility

A road diet, also known as a 4- to 3-lane conversion, involves changing a 4-lane undivided roadway into a 3-lane roadway with a center turn lane. This transformation allows communities to repurpose their limited right-of-way to better serve all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists a 4- to 3-lane conversion as a proven safety countermeasure. Road diets are installed on existing pavement within the right-of-way and offer a low-cost solution with significant safety benefits.

The benefits of road diets are numerous. Firstly, they enhance roadway safety by reducing vehicle speeds and minimizing the number of conflict points, which can lead to fewer accidents. The addition of a center turn lane helps to manage left-turning traffic, reducing rear-end collisions and improving traffic flow. Furthermore, road diets create space for bike lanes, sidewalks, and parking, promoting active transportation and making streets more accessible for all users.

In addition to safety improvements, road diets can also lead to economic benefits. By creating a more attractive and functional streetscape, they can boost local businesses and increase property values.

Discover how implementing a road diet can transform your community’s streetscape and improve safety for all users. To learn more about road diets, contact Jennifer McCoy, PE, PTOE, Traffic Senior Project Engineer at Bolton & Menk.