A neckdown is a traffic calming feature created by extending the curb or sidewalk into the parking lane, physically narrowing the roadway at an intersection or mid-block. By reducing the visual width of the street, it forces drivers to slow down and prevents them from using the parking lane to pass turning vehicles. It also significantly reduces the crossing distance and exposure time for pedestrians.
We're installing a neckdown at the 4th Street intersection to stop drivers from blowing through the crosswalk at 40 miles per hour.
Also heard as
- curb extension
- bulb-out
- choker
Related terms
Chicane
A series of alternating curves or lane shifts built into a roadway to slow down traffic.
Traffic island
A raised or painted area in a roadway designed to separate traffic streams or protect pedestrians.
Slow street
A residential roadway designed with physical traffic calming measures to restrict vehicle speeds.