Diverters (Modal Filter)

A diverter is a raised barrier placed diagonally across an intersection that forces traffic to turn and prevents traffic from proceeding straight through the intersection. Diverters can incorporate gaps for pedestrians, wheelchairs and bicycles and can be mountable by emergency vehicles.

Diverters can also be implemented as a directional closure at an intersection – restricting through movements on a local street through a curb extension or physical barrier on the far side of the intersection.

Application/Considerations/Outcomes

• Appropriate for local and collector streets
• Design should permit passage by emergency vehicles through mountable elements
• Can be unsatisfactory to through cyclists who may be exposed to unsuspecting traffic on both sides of the diverter (depending on the diverter geometry and cyclist manoeuvre)
• Can be implemented as a part of overall network policy or comprehensive system (limited use can cause traffic to shift to another street or neighbourhood)
• Proven to be most successful when combined with two or more measures

Image sources: Google Maps, Hamilton, Wikimedia Commons Credit: Richard Drdull