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Residential Traffic Management
The Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) coordinates with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to address resident concerns regarding vehicular speed and safety on publicly-maintained roadways through the Traffic Calming Program and Cut-Through Traffic Program.
For each program, DTCI applies a step-by-step process as outlined in the Residential Traffic Management Guide, which complies with VDOT guidance and requirements. Each process includes problem recognition, identification of potential improvements, and inclusive participation with residents and partner agencies.
Use the menu below for more information.
What is the Residential Traffic Calming Program?
The purpose of the Residential Traffic Calming Program is to lower vehicle speed on local roadways without restricting access. DTCI manages an eight-phase process to address traffic calming, which considers residents’ concerns regarding speeding, safety and overall quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets.
If you or your neighbors see a need for traffic calming, please contact DTCI.
Is my street eligible?
To be eligible for the Traffic Calming Program, roads must be:
- Owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
- Within a neighborhood where residents connect to the roadway via driveways.
- Have a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
What is the process?
The eight-phase process to address traffic calming includes the following:
- Step 1: Initial Contact and Review
- Step 2: Traffic Calming Study Request
- Step 3: Engineering Study
- Step 4: Conceptual Plan and Development
- Step 5: Community Support
- Step 6: Final Plan Development
- Step 7: Board of Supervisors Endorsement
- Step 8: Implementation
A brief summary of each phase is provided for residents in the Residential Traffic Calming Program brochure (PDF).
How long does the process take?
Each residential street or community is unique and will present its own set of circumstances that affect the overall time frame, such as the complexity of the safety problem, size of the impacted area and level of community participation. From start to finish, the process can take six to 24 months, or longer. The Residential Traffic Management Guide provides a variable timeline for each phase of the process.
What measures are part of a traffic calming plan?
A range of engineering options can be part of a traffic calming plan, depending on the traffic volume. These include, but are not limited to:
- Watch for Children Signs.
- $200 Fine signs.
- Pole-Mounted Speed Display signs.
- Speed humps.
- Raised crosswalks.
Note: Stop signs are not suitable for use as traffic calming devices, so are not considered as part of this program.
What is the Residential Cut-Through Traffic Program?
The purpose of the Residential Cut-Through Traffic Program is to reduce the volume of motorists passing through residential communities without stopping, or without an origin or destination within these areas, and to preserve quality of life on publicly-maintained residential streets. DTCI manages an 11-phase cut-through traffic process in residential communities, which promotes open and continuous dialogue with affected residents, and partner agencies.
If you or your neighbors see a need for a cut-through traffic program, please contact DTCI.
Is my street eligible?
To be eligible for the cut-through traffic program, roads must be:
- Owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
- Within a neighborhood that provides direct access to another destination, as shown in the image below.
What is the process?
The 11-phase process to address traffic calming includes the following:
- Step 1: Initial Contact and Review
- Step 2: Cut-Through Traffic Study Request
- Step 3: Engineering Study
- Step 4: Community Petition
- Step 5: Potential Cut-Through Measures
- Step 6: VDOT Evaluates Measures
- Step 7: Community Meeting and Ballot
- Step 8: Joint Public Hearing
- Step 9: Board of Supervisors Endorsement
- Step 10: Implementation
- Step 11: Evaluation
A brief summary of each phase is provided for residents in the Residential Cut-Through Traffic Program brochure (PDF).
How long does the process take?
The time frame between the start of the cut-through traffic study to the installation of cut-through traffic measures can vary from 20 to 32 months. The Residential Traffic Management Guide provides a variable timeline for each phase of the process.
What measures address cut-through traffic?
Every community is unique. Recommended improvements are typically based on the engineering study, data collection and discussion with affected residents and community leaders.
Contact Us
For questions about Residential Traffic Management, or to request a traffic management program for your street, email the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, or call 703-737-8624.