Bulges

Bulges are one of the tools available to the City and the community to control vehicular traffic and increase safety to pedestrians by reducing the crossing distance between curbs.

The installation of bulges will result in the narrowing of the curbs at the intersection of the street. The number of bulges is dependent upon the existing width of the street. For streets that are 8.5 meters in width one bulge will be constructed at the corner of the street to narrow the street entrance to approximately 7.2 meters. For streets that are 10.0 meters in width, two bulges are usually provided instead of one bulge.

Bulges reduce the width that pedestrians have to cross. Bulges also encourages vehicles to slow as they travel through an intersection.

Once a request for petition is made, the design process begins and a cost for the work is also determined. The costs are not standard as the scope of work involved for each intersection may vary.

Bulges also increases greenspace. Instead of the City turfing the area which is the standard treatment, individuals or area residence have "adopted" the bulge and restored this area with plantings.

Key benefits:

• reduction in vehicle speeds at intersections
• reduced crossing distance
• expansion in green space area
• community involvement

Scope of work

• breakout and removal existing curb return and portions of the adjacent sidewall
• installation of new curb forming bulge
• installation of new wheel chair ramps
• connect sidewalks
• restoration of boulevard

Improvement charges

Owners of properties adjacent the block are assessed for the cost of construction of the curb bulge. The City does not contribute to this type of project. The costs for bulges can be paid as a lump sum or carried over a 15 year period.

The cost to property owners are based upon the cost of the project divided by the assessable length of all affected property to determine a flat rate. The flat rate is then multiplied into the assessable length of each property to determine the cost to each owner. However, there are on occasions lots that are unusual in shape and may be eligible for equitable adjustments. Refer to Assessments for more detail

Current rates for bulges

Zoning	Lump Sum	Annual(15yrs)
Residential/Commercial/Industrial	TBD*	TBD*

* To Be Determined

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