Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

As noted in the NTMP manual, the Township roadway network is a system of collector and arterial roadways serving as a backbone of the Township’s roadway network. These high-capacity roads are intended to move motorists from one area of the Township or areas of the region to another, quickly and efficiently. When congestion along collectors and arterials increases, some motorists have discovered ways of bypassing these areas by using neighborhood streets as a shortcut to their destination. This NTMP manual presents a program aimed at making existing residential streets more livable by reducing traffic speeds and volumes based on sound technical analysis and community participation. The NTMP program is not intended to address high capacity roadways such as collector or arterial roadways.

NTMP Manual and Forms

MT Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Manual (PDF)

Neighborhood Action Request Form (PDF)

Neighborhood Questionnaire (PDF)

NOTE: The NTMP process does not replace normal operations of the Township Police Department. If you witness a traffic accident or have a need for the Township police, please call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number at 717-664-1180.

TRAFFIC CALMING ANALYSIS PROCESS

STEP 1 - INITIATING A PROJECT – COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The first step in the process involves collecting and measuring community support. This is done by completing and submitting the Neighborhood Action Request Form to either the Public Works Department or the MT Police Department.

• Provide written description of location
• Provide signatures from twenty-five (25%) percent of residences and businesses per block of affected area

STEP 2 - RANKING THE STREET/SELECTING PROJECTS

If more than one project is submitted, they will be evaluated and ranked to determine priority by the Neighborhood Traffic Management Team (Team).

STEP 3 - PROJECT PROCEDURES

Survey to Proceed

The Team sends a brochure and Neighborhood Questionaire to all households and businesses in a defined Study Area asking their opinion about traffic conditions on the street and whether they would like the project to proceed

• Each household and business is entitled to one response.
• Nonresident property owners are not included in the survey.
• The project only moves forward if at least eighty (80%) percent of the surveys are returned and if a majority of the respondents would consider the use of traffic calming options to address traffic issues.

Plan Development

The Team works with interested residents to develop a traffic calming plan. The following meetings are held to exchange information.

• Initial Meeting - This meeting is held to report on the survey results, identify the issues and discuss possible solutions.
• Team collects and analyzes data about the traffic issues and develops possible traffic calming alternatives – these alternatives are presented at the 2nd pubic meeting for review and comment.
• The Team refines the traffic calming alternatives and presents them at a 3rd public meeting. Meeting participants identify the alternative they prefer.

Petition to Test

A test of the traffic calming plan is usually not required. Testing is sometimes required to ensure that an unacceptable amount of traffic is not shifting onto other local streets. The process is as follows:

• If a petition to test is needed to ensure traffic is not significantly shifting onto other local roads, it will be circulated to all households and businesses within the primary affected area of the study area.
• Each household and business is entitled to one response.
• Non-resident property owners are not included in the petition to test process.
• The majority of the households and businesses must sign the petition in order for the test to proceed.
• If the required signatures are not obtained, the plan is modified or discontinued.
• If the petition is successful, the test is installed for at least three (3) months.

Project Ballot

• An open house is held to present the proposed permanent traffic calming plan.
• Everyone in the study area is notified and receives a ballot.
• Households and businesses that are within the Secondary Affected Area also receive a ballot.
• Eighty (80%) percent of those receiving ballots must be in favor of the project for it to proceed to the Board of Commissioners for action.

Board of Commissioner Action

• If the ballot is approved, the Team prepares a report and recommendation for the Board of Commissioners action.
• The public is notified and given the opportunity to meet and comment on the proposal.

Implementation

• If the project is approved by the Board of Commissioners, the Township designs and constructs the traffic calming devices.
• Education and enforcement tools are also implemented.

Project Evaluation

• Six months after the construction is completed, the Team evaluates the effects of the project.
• If any unacceptable impacts are identified, corrective measures are taken.