Importance of Kerbing in Urban Areas

Blog

Kerbing serves an important purpose in keeping roads and their surrounding areas safe. Concrete kerbing is strongly recommended in urban areas, where it provides key benefits to driver and pedestrian safety, traffic flow and drainage. Kerbing construction can factor in as a major project cost, so it needs be considered carefully. Kerbing can be less appropriate on high speed or rural roads, or those without adjacent footpaths. These points outline why kerbing is so essential in an urban environment.

Pedestrian Safety

Barrier kerbs, which are typically six inches high, with a steep face, are key for pedestrian safety in areas with high foot traffic. Creating a distinct separation between the road and the pavement makes it clear to pedestrians that they should take care to stay within the designated pedestrian area. The steep sides characteristic of barrier kerbs discourage vehicles from straying outside of the road. Busy footpaths, and those featuring bus stops and crossings can benefit greatly from barrier kerbing. The physical and psychological barrier created between drivers and pedestrians increases the safety of both parties.

Traffic Flow and Driver Safety

The clear road edge signaled by a kerb contributes significantly to improved traffic flow. Kerbing assists in separation of traffic by providing drivers with both a visual and physical barrier - this is extremely effective in preventing illegal lane changing or turns. In particular, in areas with a high volume of traffic, regular use by heavy goods vehicles, or a high number of traffic accidents this is a worthwhile safety measure.

Greater perception of road alignment in challenging conditions can be achieved by using special, alternative kerb types. Reflective kerbing may be used to increase night time visibility in areas with a history of traffic accidents. These are most effective when placed at critical junctions, road curves or islands. High visibility kerbing, marked with white, can serve a similar purpose. Factors such as weather, visibility, construction cost, and road traffic accident history should come into play when deciding upon the most appropriate style of kerbing for an area.

Drainage

Kerbs may be used to assist in controlling drainage where appropriate. Combined kerb and drainage systems with inlet holes and channels can ensure fast removal of water from the road surface, and safe, effective drainage. This can reduce accidents and is essential in areas where a high volume of rain or flood water is predicted. Where appropriate, kerbing can also be placed strategically in order to control water run-off from the road.

Concrete commercial kerbing plays a large role in increasing driver and pedestrian safety in urban areas. Choosing the appropriate style of kerbing achieves maximum benefits in terms of both cost and safety.

Share

2 August 2016

Creating a new parking zone

We have had a space out by the back of the shop for parking since the shop opened. But we noticed that fewer and fewer customers were using it and more customers mentioned the lack of parking in our area. It turned out that they didn't like parking on the back, unsealed lot as this made their shoes muddy and their car dirty. We used a concrete contractor to come and seal the carpark as well as mark out defined parking bays. The customers love it and we have noticed an increase in business. This site talks about how small businesses can create parking spaces with concreting to improve their customer experience.