Garfield Heights begins pilot of recycled‑rubber traffic calming strips on residential streets

Garfield Heights officials announced a pilot program July 14 to install recycled‑rubber traffic‑calming strips on neighborhood streets as a lower‑cost alternative to concrete speed tables. Mayor Matthew Burke and council members said the city has taken delivery of an initial order and will place the devices on residential corridors recommended by the police department.

The pilot matters because the devices are considerably less expensive than full speed tables and are removable for winter storage, officials said. The mayor told the council the city “received them on Friday,” and staff plans to deploy the first wave this week, with signs posted in both directions at each location.

In a presentation at the council meeting, a company representative identified only as Nathan, introduced as an Innoclass representative, described the product and installation method. “It’s made out of 100% recycled rubber,” he said, and explained fastening typically uses rebar spikes driven into asphalt; the pieces can be removed and stored in winter. Officials said the manufacturer supplies different fasteners for concrete and asphalt locations.

Councilwoman Stacy Collier said first responders had reviewed the product and would be able to operate with them in place. “Our firefighter paramedics have said that they can work with this,” she said, describing public‑safety input as a factor in moving forward.

Cost and scale: council members and the mayor contrasted the pilot units’ price — roughly $1,200 each, according to remarks at the meeting — with conventional speed tables that can cost about $11,000. Officials said the city ordered almost 20 units initially and expects the remainder of that initial allotment within about four weeks. Staff described the first deployment as about “a dozen or 15 or so” locations based on police calls and observed traffic complaints; future purchases would depend on pilot results and the next budget cycle.

City staff emphasized installation and street preservation steps. Council members asked whether fastening would damage pavement; staff said the product will puncture the surface where anchored but pointed to guidance from the manufacturer on how to refill and repair those anchor points, and that units will be removed and stored over winter to reduce long‑term wear.

The pilot is intended to provide a summer of real‑world data on effectiveness, durability and community reaction. If results are positive, council members said they would consider including additional units in the 2026 budget.