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Yuma County approves speed cushions for Fifth Street after residents cite cut-through traffic
Summary
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors approved installing seven speed cushions on Fifth Street to slow cut‑through traffic and protect neighborhood pedestrians and children after residents described repeated mailbox hits and speeding vehicles.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors voted to install seven speed cushions on Fifth Street following public comments from neighborhood residents who said speeding and cut‑through traffic endangered children and property.
The decision came after several residents described recurring incidents on Fifth Street, where the roadway lacks sidewalks and is a primary through route between Avenue B and Avenue C. County Engineer Frank Sanchez told the board that the traffic study showed higher observed speeds but did not meet all technical “warrants” for cushions based on the 85th‑percentile speed; nevertheless, staff recommended the cushions because of high cut‑through volumes and safety concerns. The board approved the measure by voice vote.
Supporters said the cushions are intended to reduce speeds and encourage drivers to use main arterials rather than neighborhood streets. Robert Raleigh, owner of Raleigh’s Linda Vista RV Park, told the board the neighborhood needs traffic calming; “I am 100% for this idea of speed bumps,” he said. Frank Sanchez said the county plans to install seven cushions and aims for construction before the end of the fiscal year, if scheduling allows.
Sanchez described the technical background of the decision: the speed study did not meet the county’s published warrant requiring the 85th‑percentile speed to be 10 mph over the posted limit, and vehicle volumes did not strictly meet separate volume warrants. He said the department is nevertheless moving forward because of observed cut‑through traffic, safety concerns for children where there are no sidewalks, and a history of collisions and property damage along the corridor.
The board recognized local volunteers and a colonia committee led by Gail Castro Cone for their role in neighborhood improvements and outreach. No additional county funding was identified during the discussion; the motion approved construction as presented by staff.
Work is expected to be scheduled with the county’s highway maintenance/construction program; details and a firm construction date will be set by staff and included in upcoming project updates.
