Minneapolis residents can request ‘traffic calming’ measures to make their streets safer

Minneapolis is making it easier for residents to advocate for safer streets through a program designed to help residents and business owners request traffic calming measures.

In less than two weeks, the city has already had more than 300 requests.

Jennifer Lowery, with the city’s public works department, says most of the requests involve speeding, but how they address it can vary.

The city uses speed bumps, bump outs and traffic circles, or a combination of them.

She says using bollard posts to narrow a street can make a difference.

“If you tighten up an intersection, people need to take a corner slower. So, if you are concerned about a crosswalk, you can make it tighter and people will be more cautious,” she said.

The city has more information on how to make a request or track a project online.