Tool Box
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

TWO-LANE CHOKER

Chokers are curb extensions at midblock that narrow a street. Chokers leave the street cross section with two lanes that are narrower than the normal cross section. The magnitude of reduction in speed is dependant of the spacing of two-lane chokers between points that require drivers to slow. On average two-lane chokers achieve a 7% reduction in speeds.

Advantages

• Easily negotiable by emergency vehicles and buses
• Can have positive aesthetic value
• Reduces both speeds and volumes

Disadvantages

• Effect on vehicle speeds is limited by the absence of any vertical or horizontal deflection
• May require bicyclists to briefly merge with vehicular traffic
• Loss of on-street parking
• Build up of debris in gutter

For additional information please contact:

Tracy Whitley
Project Engineer
Sacramento County Department of Transportation
whitleyt@SacCounty.net