Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public service committee outlines 2025 traffic-calming plan: more solar speed signs, speed tables and raised crosswalk pilots
Summary
Akron’s public service committee approved moving forward with a 2025 traffic-calming package that adds 20 solar speed signs, pilots temporary and permanent speed tables, and expands raised crosswalk trials and striping efforts.
The public service committee reviewed a multi-part traffic-calming initiative for 2025 that expands enforcement and physical interventions citywide, with staff aiming to move purchases and installations forward this construction season.
Service Director Chris Leto said the city currently operates about 40 solar speed signs and plans to buy 20 more so each of the city’s 10 wards can host at least two signs. The signs are solar-powered, can be set in “stealth” mode to collect data without display, and — when turned on — typically produce an immediate reduction in observed speeds, Leto said. Councilmembers asked about data granularity and sharing with police; Leto said the signs collect timestamped speed data and that the city pays a service fee for data access.
Leto described traffic-calming pilots for 2025 that include: leaving a small number of temporary rubberized/composite speed tables in place through winter so crews can assess durability and plowing impacts; installing four to seven permanent asphalt speed tables as pilots in the city (the existing permanent table is on Maple Street by the fire station); and testing raised crosswalks (one at Patterson Park Community Center has been installed and additional concrete or asphalt raised crossings are under consideration). He also described restriping narrow streets with an edge line to reduce unsafe passing and a program to reclassify some streets that shift between 25 and 35 mph to restore 25 mph limits where appropriate.
Leto said the traffic-calming work is funded in part from carryover resurfacing and the 2025 resurfacing budget; the committee approved suspension of rules to allow faster procurement and implementation. Councilmembers asked that data from the signs be made available to public safety so enforcement could be targeted during times of heaviest speeding, and that signage and striping around speed tables be clear to avoid vehicle damage.
Committee members generally praised the expanded program and asked staff to coordinate with each councilmember on ward priorities for placement of signs, speed-table candidates and raised-crosswalk locations. The committee approved a motion to suspend rules and provide a favorable report so staff can proceed with purchases and pilots this construction season.
