Council authorizes two radar feedback signs on Deats Elkhorn Road West after traffic study

The Fair Oaks Ranch City Council voted May 1 to authorize placement of two radar feedback signs on Deats Elkhorn Road West, directing staff to install the devices at the locations recommended by in‑house traffic counts and the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee.

City staff said in‑field radar counters collected vehicle counts and speeds from March and April and that the eastern study location (Location 2) recorded the highest average speeds and an 80th-percentile speed above the posted 35 mph limit; the highest average in one measured direction was 35.7 mph.

Carol Van Zant, assistant city manager, and Julie Lovelace, accounting manager, presented the data and maps. Lovelace summarized counts showing more westbound traffic toward I‑10 and higher speeds at Location 2. Staff recommended siting both signs on the eastern end of Deats Elkhorn Road West where speed and volumes suggested the greatest benefit.

Council members asked about possible bias in the data because the signs used to collect the study data display speeds to drivers and might prompt drivers to slow before being recorded. Staff said the units collect speed data at the same time the display triggers and that the devices can be set to collect data without lighting to allow a “blind” count. Members also discussed whether signs should be placed to warn drivers before the elementary school zone; staff and committee members reviewed proposed placements and said signs are movable if later changes are needed.

Transportation Safety Committee members and residents spoke during the discussion; a resident urged the committee to consider the school zone approach as part of placement decisions. The council approved the resolution for placement at the locations recommended by staff (Location 2), with unanimous support.