Residents Demand Action as Speeding Threatens Safety in Subdivision

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around traffic safety measures in the Patterson Lake area, particularly concerning speed limits and the implementation of speed control devices. Todd Miller, a veteran road operations specialist from the Star County Road Department, presented findings from a traffic study conducted near the local golf course, where residents had requested a speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Miller confirmed that this request had been addressed with the installation of additional signage, bringing the speed limit to 35 mph from State Avenue to Little Hales Court.

Residents from the Patterson Lake subdivision expressed concerns about safety, particularly regarding the speed of vehicles on narrow roads. They requested a speed limit of 20 mph, but Miller recommended setting it at 15 mph, citing the condition of the roads and the presence of children in the area. The board agreed to this recommendation, emphasizing the need for increased patrols to enforce the new limits.

Miller also discussed the potential installation of speedboards—devices that monitor and display vehicle speeds—to gather data on traffic patterns. He noted that previous traffic counts revealed alarming speeds, with one vehicle recorded at 90 mph. The community's concerns were echoed by resident Rick Melmer, who highlighted the increased traffic and the dangers posed to pedestrians, particularly children.

The meeting also touched on the idea of speed bumps, which some residents advocated for as a more aggressive measure to slow down traffic. However, Miller expressed reservations about speed bumps due to snow removal challenges and potential liability issues. Instead, he suggested exploring portable speed bumps that could be removed during winter months.

In conclusion, the board unanimously approved the recommendation to set the speed limit at 15 mph in the Patterson Lake area, alongside plans for enhanced traffic monitoring and increased patrols to ensure compliance and improve safety for residents and visitors alike. The meeting underscored the community's commitment to addressing traffic safety concerns as the area continues to grow in population and activity.