neckdown
n. An extension of the sidewalk or curb on both sides of an intersection, which makes it easier for pedestrians to cross and forces cars to slow down.
Examples
1995
Several of the study's recommendations have already met with neighborhood approval, but support has been mixed for the idea of closing part of Broadway and for a proposal to build "neckdowns," or sidewalk extensions, at certain intersections.
—Jennifer Kingson Bloom, “Planners' Radical Traffic Idea: Close Part of Broadway,” The New York Times, May 28, 1995
1994
Throughout, Romeo said, the road will have improvements that make it safer for pedestrians. Broad intersections, like the one near Wellesley Square, will be narrowed by bringing the sidewalks out further. Crosswalks will have "neckdowns" at either end, large chunks of sidewalk that jut out into the street, therefore cutting down the amount of live roadway pedestrians must cross.
—Laura Pappano, “A new look for Wellesley,” The Boston Globe, February 13, 1994
1986 (earliest)
The automobile has been tamed in thousands of residential areas by speed bumps, one-way street mazes, neckdowns, crosswalks, barricades and the lowly stop sign. As a result, neighborhoods are safer, quieter and less polluted, but still provide motor vehicle access.
—Kate Sutherland, “Fixing cities by mending, not amputating,” The Toronto Star, August 27, 1986
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