The City of Naperville has developed a Traffic Calming Toolkit to address vehicle speeds and volumes within residential areas. The public comment period has now closed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is traffic calming?
Traffic calming is a collection of measures used to support the livability and vitality of residential neighborhoods through a reduction in vehicle speeds and/or volumes. Traffic calming is different than traffic control. Traffic control devices, such as traffic signals and stop signs, provide for the orderly movement of all road users by providing notification of regulations. Traffic calming devices, such as targeted speed control enforcement and bicycle lanes support the livability and vitality of residential neighborhoods.

Are traffic circles and roundabouts the same thing?
Traffic circles are a small island located in the center of an intersection. They are used to slow down vehicles as they proceed through an intersection. A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise around a center island. Roundabouts act as a form of traffic control; there are no traffic signals or stop signs in a roundabout. Drivers yield at entry to traffic in the roundabout, then enter the intersection and exit at their desired street.

Are traffic circles included in the toolkit?
Traffic circles are not included in the toolkit due to a previous pilot program. Naperville installed traffic circles in two subdivisions that showed no improvement in vehicle speeds when post instalment data was collected.

Are stop signs a traffic calming measure?
Stop signs are not traffic calming measures because they are traffic controls and are used for assigning right-of-way for vehicles. Naperville does not install stop signs to slow vehicle traffic as it goes against federal guidelines.

Is any Naperville street a candidate for traffic calming?
Local, neighborhood connector and collector streets under City of Naperville jurisdiction may be considered for traffic calming. Arterial roadways will not be considered because their primary purpose is to provide for efficient traffic flow.

Why are speed bumps/humps not included?
Speed bumps and humps are not included, along with all other vertical traffic calming measures, because of the impacts that these measures have on our public safety response times.

Why are pedestrian crossing measures not included?
Naperville has separate guidelines and warrants for installing pedestrian crossing measures and enhancements. These guidelines and warrants generally follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).