Turn Wedges

Purpose

Reduce vehicle turning speed and increase vehicle yielding to pedestrians.

Description

Turn wedges are raised humps or flexible delineator posts and pavement markings wedged between the sides of perpendicular crosswalks at an intersection to reduce turning speeds and encourage driver yielding.

Safety Benefits

• Slows left-turning vehicles without reducing traffic capacity.
• Guides vehicles to wider turning angle for safer and more predictable turns.
• Increases visibility of pedestrians in crosswalk to turning drivers. 

Street Types and Context

Applicable Street Types

Principal and Minor Arterials in Urban and Urban Core contexts. Local Principal and Local Minor streets in all contexts.

Other Location Guidance

• In areas with turn-related crash histories or observed improper yield behaviors.
• Turn wedges can be installed at the corners of an intersection.

Primary User Groups

Key Implementation Considerations

• The turning paths of the design vehicle must be considered.
• Can be constructed rapidly and inexpensively using markings and flexible delineators.
• The turning radius of trucks and buses should be considered when installing turn wedges
• Roadway maintenance activities like snow removal and street sweeping must also be considered when designing in-street infrastructure.

Expected Crash Reduction

A crash reduction estimate has not been established for turn wedges, but slower vehicle turning speeds are expected.

Cost

Typically, a lower cost treatment.

Timeline

Typically, a quick-build treatment

References

• Chapter 8 of Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access: Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide
• American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
• FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations
• FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasures