"Traffic Calming" Available for Neighborhoods

Is traffic barreling too fast through your neighborhood?

If so, your street might be a candidate for the town's new "Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program."

Funded through the 2008 Streets Bond referendum, the program provides for the installation of humps, raised pedestrian crosswalks, circles or roundabouts, signage and other safety features in neighborhoods where traffic needs to be slowed down or pedestrian safety is an issue. The program is open to all town streets.

"Any traffic calming measures must be consistent with the town's transportation plan and balance public safety interests with emergency service provider needs," said Town Manager Steve Biggs. "They must also allow safe and comfortable modes of transportation other than motor vehicles."

Applications to the Town Manager's Office for safety or calming measures must be made either by a recognized Homeowner's Association or by a petition signed by at least 75 percent of the affected neighborhood's homeowners.

Here are some of the guidelines for getting a calming structure:

• Adjacent homeowners must approve any structure
• Traffic flow must reach at least 500 vehicles a day
• A speed study must show that traffic speeds are significantly higher than the posted speed limit
• Any calming features must get the approval of the Town Council
• Streets with posted speed limits of over 25 mph are eligible for only end-of-block or intersection installed structures

Applications for calming measures will be studied and evaluated by town staff, including the town's consulting traffic engineer.

The program is aimed at neighborhood streets. Main roads are not eligible.