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19 Tightened curb radii provide several benefits including shortened crossing distance, slowed turning vehicle speeds, and a larger pedestrian-realm. An actual curb radius of five to ten feet should be considered whenever possible, and not to exceed 30 feet.2 The effective curb radius should be minimized whenever possible and increased to accommodate turning buses or large trucks when absolutely required. In most conditions, the roadway has passenger vehicles or smaller trucks and, in some cases, large vehicles overtaking a lane to complete their turn should be acceptable unless specific issues are identified per staff review and engineering judgement. Creative designs can also be employed such as staggered stop bars and/or truck aprons to accommodate larger vehicle turning movements. Curb Extension The impact for driver sight of people crossing with the addition of curb extensions shown at right. Source: National Association of City Transportation Officials. A curb extension is an extension of the sidewalk and curb line into the roadway to reduce pedestrian crossing distance and exposure to vehicles. They also provide visual cues to drivers and improve vision of pedestrians crossing while reducing turning speeds. It is a proven safety strategy for reducing crashes per the FHWA with a typical crash reduction of 45 percent. Curb extensions can double as a traffic calming device in mid-block locations as pinch points or chicanes. Average cost is $2,000 to $3,500 per corner without storm sewer impacts and $10,000 to $20,000 per corner if storm sewer is impacted. 2 Minnesota Department of Transportation. (January 2016). Infrastructure Reference Guide. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/mnsaferoutes/assets/downloads/MnDOT_SRTS_InfrastrctureReferenceGuide.pdf