NAVIGATION

Traffic volumes and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are increased in a one-way street system, much as they are on streets with raised medians, because drivers cannot follow direct routes to their destinations. This not only increases the total volumes to be served at signalized intersections, but can also increase air pollution levels.

COMMERCE

Perhaps the strongest case to be made for two-way street restoration in urban areas is the business case. One-way operation simulates the driving experience of limited-access highways and encourages motorists to move through a place rather than stop and enjoy at neighborhood shops.

SAFETY

Two-way streets are a proven traffic-calming measure. Motorists are encouraged to drive faster on one-way streets due to the reduction of “perceived visual friction,” so the reintroduction of oncoming objects has the effect of slowing driving speeds after a two-way conversion. Two-lane one-way streets are rare in residential areas because of the high speeds encouraged by their configuration.

CONSISTENCY

The proximity of the Summit & 4th Street corridor to the Short North, The Ohio State University, the Ohio State Fairgrounds, and Mapfre Stadium draws many out-of-town visitors to use these streets. While many people associate one-way streets with downtown areas, the one-way configuration is rarely seen on arterial roads in dense residential neighborhoods and frequently causes confusion among drivers in the area.