Curb Extension

Curb extensions can shorten crossing distances, reduce vehicle turning speeds, improve sight lines between people walking and driving, and calm traffic. They are typically delineated by striping, flex posts or other vertical barriers, and/or other artistic elements.

A parking lane near an intersection that has been turned into a curb extension painted with bright colors and bounded with flexible posts 
 Two youth on a scooter and bike prepare to cross an intersection which is protected with a wide bulb out. The bulb out is lined with flexible posts and the asphalt is a dark red color to increase visibility
 Washington, D.C. (DDOT)  Kasson, MN (MNDOT)

 

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

  • Increase safety (pedestrian)
  • Invite public use

Typical Applications

  • 1-4 lane roadway with existing on-street parking, or bike lanes on at least one side; or wide turning radii

Material Options

Design Considerations

  • Maintain proper drainage and ability to access for street sweeping.
  • Maintain truck, bus, and fire truck turning ability.
  • Where applicable, maintain bicycle lane access through curb extension and use elements to help reduce conflicts between people walking and biking.
  • Continue to mark the crosswalk through to the physical curb unless the detectable surface has been relocated to the edge of the curb extension.
  • Where pedestrians will be able to and/or encouraged to wait within the curb extension, consider crashworthy barriers such as jersey barriers.

Other Considerations

  • Opportunity to include artistic elements and/or coordinate with a larger intersection mural project
  • ADA accessibility of the sidewalks, curb ramps, and extension itself, particularly for pedestrians with visual impairments

Other Resources

Related Information

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