AGENDA #6a
BUDGET WORKING PAPER
TO: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
FROM: George Small, P.E., Director of Engineering
SUBJECT: Report on Neighborhood Traffic Calming Signs
DATE: April 24, 2002
The purpose of this working paper is to provide information on neighborhood traffic calming signs including staff recommendations and estimated costs.
The Town Council, at their April 3, 2002 Budget Work Session, received a report about pending traffic calming proposals at several locations around the Town. At that time, the Council asked the Manager to provide a report on neighborhood traffic calming signs which could be installed in conjunction with or in lieu of other traffic calming devices such as speed humps and traffic circles.
Staff research indicates that other communities have installed signs (see examples, attached to this report) as part of an educational campaign to reduce speeding problems and to calm traffic in residential areas.
Signs shown in Attachments 1 and 2 were installed on Hillsborough Street and Dixie Drive, respectively, in Chapel Hill. The signs shown on Attachments 3 to 10 are used in other communities around the country. These signs are sometimes supplemented by orange flags to be more effective. The main purpose of the signs is to remind motorists of the 25 mph speed limit. Such signs are most effective when posted at major entrances to and critical locations within neighborhoods. The cost of each sign, including sign post, would range from $100 - $300 depending on size of the sign and the complexity of the message.
If the Council wishes to initiate a Neighborhood Traffic Sign Program, Town forces could install selected signs in neighborhoods if neighborhood residents agree to pay for the signs and posts. This process would be similar to the “Neighborhood Watch” sign installation program. We recommend that no more than six styles of signs be offered to residents for purchase. We also recommend that any neighborhood requesting such a sign be required to furnish an endorsement petition from neighbors in the area where the sign would be installed.
1. Example Signs, Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (p. 2).