Traffic Calming at Miss Tillie’s Corner

Since 2015, Trailnet and the Plan4Health program have been active in ensuring safe and calm streets in the St. Louis region, and specifically in the JeffVanderLou, Ville/Greater Ville, Carondelet, and Dutchtown neighborhoods. 

Recently, Trailnet conducted another traffic calming demonstration, adding onto its nearly 20 pop-up demonstrations completed since late 2015. On July 13, at the annual Miss Tillie’s Block Party and Health Resource Fair, Trailnet staff took to the streets of JeffVanderLou on the corner of Sheridan and Garrison Ave. to show how a simple pop-up can slow traffic and make streets safer for all users.

After hearing cars were rolling through stops signs on the corners of Sheridan and Garrison, Trailnet staff planned for cars entering the Fair to make left and right-hand turns and be separated using two different turning lanes designated by bright colored cones.

After noticing a few cars misinterpret the intersection, community members and Miss Tillie’s Corner staff took tactical urbanism into their own hands, recommending the two separate turning lanes become one. Used now as a shared space, with an added stop sign before entering each side of the intersection. The new design led to slower speeds and enhanced communication between drivers navigating the intersection.

Trailnet also conducted a pop-up parklet for block party-goers to use during the Fair. The parklet consisted of seating, plants, and lots of shading for residents to take a break from the hot summer day. The pop-up parklet was a success and was used by block-party-goers of all ages and mobility preferences. Residents using wheelchairs, bikes, and other mobility devices used the parklet to relax, talk, and enjoy lunch and ice cream provided by local eateries.

All the materials used for the Miss Tillie’s traffic calming and the parklet were provided through Trailnet’s Traffic Calming Lending Library. The Lending Library is available for other individuals and organizations to use for their own traffic calming and parklet demonstrations. A list of the materials in the lending library and a how-to guide to set up your own traffic calming demonstration can be found in the Slow Your Streets guide compiled by Trailnet.