City Council considers traffic calming measures including speed cushions and lane narrowing

Birmingham City officials are taking significant steps to enhance road safety and traffic management following discussions at the Multi-Modal Board meeting on March 6, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of speed cushions, which have been preferred by the local fire department over traditional speed humps. The fire department expressed concerns about the placement of speed humps on fire routes and major roads, advocating instead for speed cushions on local streets to ensure emergency vehicles can navigate effectively while still slowing down traffic.

The board also explored the potential for narrowing lanes with striping as a method to reduce vehicle speeds. Research presented during the meeting indicated that narrower lanes could lead to a speed reduction of 1 to 3 miles per hour, depending on the current speed limits. While this approach aims to decrease speeding, it does not directly enhance pedestrian safety or experience, a point emphasized by board members who highlighted the need to balance speed reduction with pedestrian considerations.

Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of retrofitting existing roads to improve safety without complete reconstruction. This could include painted bump-outs at intersections, which would further aid in reducing speeds and enhancing pedestrian visibility.

As Birmingham City moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on creating safer streets for both drivers and pedestrians, reflecting the community's commitment to effective traffic management and public safety. The next steps will involve further investigation into these options and their implementation timelines.