Council reviews traffic calming proposals including speed humps on Glen Road

The Transportation & Circulation Commission meeting held on May 7, 2025, in Lafayette, Contra Costa County, focused on traffic calming measures and funding considerations for road safety improvements. The meeting began with a discussion on the potential approval of three proposed speed humps, which would be funded through additional allocations to the sinking funds.

Commission members were asked to consider all three speed hump proposals, with the final decision on funding to be made by the council. Following this, the commission had the opportunity to pose questions to staff regarding the proposals. One member inquired about the signature gathering process for community support, confirming that the necessary maturity of signatures had been verified.

The discussion then shifted to existing traffic calming measures on Glen Road. Staff clarified that while the current striping was not initially intended as a traffic calming measure, it has been effective in reducing speeds. The road features edge lines and a double yellow center line, which visually narrows the lanes to encourage slower driving.

Further inquiries were made about the use of additional traffic calming practices, such as speed humps and radar speed signs. Staff indicated that due to the high speeds recorded on Glen Road, speed humps were deemed necessary, while other measures like signage campaigns had not been implemented. The narrowness of the road also posed challenges for placing radar speed signs.

Commissioner Patrick raised concerns about the recommendation for two or three speed humps, linking the decision to budgetary constraints. He suggested that if funding allowed for only two humps, they should be placed in the area with the highest speeds. Another commissioner inquired about traffic conditions north of Monticello, noting that while there is less traffic in that area, it may still warrant attention.

The meeting concluded with a clear focus on the need for effective traffic calming measures to enhance road safety in Lafayette, with further discussions anticipated as the council reviews the funding proposals.