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Hammond leaders weigh speed bumps, signage and bike‑trail repairs amid resident safety concerns
Summary
Residents raised repeated safety concerns about speeding, wrong‑way driving and pavement condition at Mayor's Night Out. City staff explained constraints on speed‑bump installation, police enforcement plans, and announced a planned resurfacing of a major bike trail.
Residents at Mayor’s Night Out urged Hammond officials to address speeding and unsafe driving, wrong‑way motorists on one‑way streets and rough sections of the city’s bike‑trail network. City public‑works and police leaders described operational limits and enforcement options and announced an impending trail resurfacing contract.
The matter of speed bumps prompted an extended exchange. Felix Gonzales (Public Works) and the mayor said the city does not categorically ban speed bumps but must weigh maintenance and snow‑removal impacts. Gonzales warned that plows can be damaged and that road‑clearing operations become more difficult if speed bumps are common. "If one of my guys is out for 20 plus hours and doesn't see where it's at or it's covered by snow ... he could damage our plows," Gonzales said. The mayor added that installing a speed bump “opens a floodgate” of requests and that any program would need strict criteria and controls.
On wrong‑way driving and obstructed signage on State Street, officials asked residents to submit location details so public works and police could follow up. Chief Andy Short (Hammond Police Department) committed traffic enforcement resources and said his traffic enforcement unit would patrol problem spots; he also urged residents to report problems via the city’s 311 system so the department can act faster.
Dean Button (Engineering) announced that bids have been awarded to resurface the Erie‑Lackawanna Trail from Sibley to 8094, with Milestone Contractors selected; crews have begun milling and resurfacing work. "On Monday, they start milling and resurfacing that trail," Button said. City leaders said resurfacing is intended to address rough trail segments used by cyclists, joggers and students.
On the Southeastern Avenue S‑curve and nearby five‑way intersection, residents suggested reducing lanes, deploying flashing stop signs and other traffic‑calming measures. Button said the city studied a roundabout there but the project did not score high enough for regional funding and would require property acquisition and several million dollars to construct.
City staff repeatedly asked residents to file 311 reports for specific locations so departments can coordinate dispatch and track work orders. Officials said they copy department heads on written questions submitted at Mayor’s Night Out and follow up after the meeting; no ordinance change or immediate citywide program on speed bumps was adopted during the event.
