City of Oxnard - Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Appendices

City of Oxnard | Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
A.8.14. Intersection Design – Free Right Turns
Design Summary
Free right turns and large turning radii should generally be
avoided wherever possible. Where free right turns are necessary,
high visibility crosswalks, appropriate curb ramp configuration
and motorist warning signage should be used in accordance with
design guidelines presented herein.
Preferred Design
Discussion
A right turn slip lane, often delineated by paint or a concrete
island, separates the right turn movement from through and leftturning
vehicles.
Slip turn lanes can present difficulties to pedestrians because
drivers tend to look left and concentrate on merging with
oncoming traffic and may not see pedestrians entering the
crosswalk. In high-traffic areas, inadequate gaps in right-turning
traffic may exist, making crossing a slip turn lane difficult for
pedestrians. The non-standard corner geometry introduced by
slip lanes is extremely difficult for the blind to negotiate.
The closing of a slip turn lane solves the problems discussed
above and also serves to shorten the pedestrian crossing
distance. Further, the area can be made an attractive corner for
pedestrians through the use of street furniture, benches, and
small-scale plantings.
Right turn slip lane
Where slip turns cannot be removed due to traffic capacity
considerations, several options exist for enhancing pedestrian
safety.
• Signalizing the right turn movement to create gaps in
traffic for pedestrians.
• Passive crossing treatments, such as warning signage or
a raised crosswalk connecting the sidewalk with a
refuge island.
• Decreasing the corner turn radius slows the speed of
the turning car, provides a larger pedestrian zone at the
corner, and may allow for larger or multiple curb ramps.
Alta Planning + Design | A-71