Potential Benefits for Business 60: 

• Up to a 50% reduction in crashes
• Increases right turn radius at driveways and intersections
• Improved signal timing by providing more green time for mainline traffic (eliminates current split phasing)
• Flashing yellow arrows for permissive left turns would be installed for side streets
• Center turn lane will result in reduced likelihood of rear end crashes
• Improves left turning visibility with fewer lanes, which decreases likelihood of left turn crashes and side swipes
• Improves pedestrian safety with fewer lanes to cross
• Creates a 2-3 foot buffer space between vehicles and pedestrians

Crash Data Analysis for Bus. 60 

Horizontal Curve and Crash Severity

The horizontal curve on Business 60 between Peach Street and C Street shows more crashes than expected when compared to similar sections of roadway. These crashes are typically right angle or left-turn right angle crashes--not rear end collisions like other sections of Business 60. These type of collisions (right angle and left-turn right angle) typically result in minor injuries.

The Road Diet analysis of Business 60 was initiated because of concerns at this curve. While conducting research, models indicated concerns would be mitigated at this curve if a Road Diet were implemented, while traffic flow would be improved at intersections along this stretch of Business 60.

Rear-End Collision

Rear-end collisions are the most frequent crash type along most of Business 60. While this type of crash doesn't usually result in fatalities or serious injuries, even minor incidents can periodically increase congestion. In addition, minor crashes known as "fender benders" increase the risk of secondary crashes by distracting other drivers who are interested in the crash. 

Pedestrians & Bicyclists

Of the total crashes for the five-year period, five involved pedestrians and two involved bicyclists. 

A Road Diet would improve safety with fewer lanes to cross and by creating a two to three foot buffer space between vehicles and pedestrians.

Proposed Solution

During a review of crashes over the last five years, it is estimated approximately 50% could have been prevented by a center turn lane. Additionally, reducing the number of lanes would eliminate most of the passing crashes and reduce the potential for left-turn right angle crashes for vehicles leaving the side streets onto Business 60.

Does a Road Diet increase congestion? 

Specific to Business 60, a Road Diet would allow MoDOT to eliminate the use of split phasing signals. This improved signal timing means more green time for mainline traffic (allowing both eastbound and westbound traffic to have green indications simultaneously unlike the current timing).

According to the Federal Highway Administration, signalized intersections are often the most significant constraint on roadway capacity. Converting four through lanes to two through lanes makes it possible to install a dedicated turn lane throughout this section of Business 60, which could reduce delay. 

The potential reduction in crashes would also alleviate congestion, since traffic incidents often result in delays for drivers. 

A Road Diet is typically implemented on a roadway with a current and future average daily traffic of 25,000 or less. With an ADT of less than half of this recommendation, Business 60 is a good candidate for a Road Diet when following the Federal Highway Administration's guideline.