Fewer lanes = better traffic flow?

WINA says … (no longer available):

A community planner says you can move traffic quicker with fewer lanes.

…

Burden says reducing lanes can actually move traffic more efficiently. He says when you take a lane away and put a turn lane in the center, it moves just as much traffic in a safer manner and it’s easier for pedestrians. Burden says speed limits along these roads are set by the prudent driver, not the imprudent driver, and therefore the speed comes down. In turn, property along the street is more attractive and goes up in value.

This seems to me (as an English Major) to be counter-intuitive. Anybody have thoughts on this?