Rochester City Council approved the purchase and installation of feedback speed signs and flashing beacons on Chestnut Hill Road after a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee and the Public Works Department.

The signs — programmable devices that display drivers’ speeds and can flash an amber/red beacon or preset messages when drivers exceed the posted limit — were recommended to address speeding near Roger Allen Park and to provide traffic calming as Route 11 construction is expected to increase cut-through traffic.

Councilor Fadna, who moved the measure on behalf of the public safety committee, said traffic studies using speed trailers showed average speeds in the 50-mph range through a 35-mph zone. Councilor D. J. Blois and other members asked whether signs could be programmed to stop displaying speeds above a certain threshold to avoid encouraging motorists to “race the sign.” The police chief said existing devices can be set to blank the speed display above a set threshold (for example, 10–15 mph over the limit) while still displaying a safety message.

Committee members said the Police Department will select settings appropriate to each location and that the sign selected for the Chestnut Hill Road sites will include the capability to limit the displayed speed. Councilor Fontenot, a member of the committee, said the committee supports a device with that capability and would send it back to council if necessary.

At roll call the council voted in favor of the installation; the mayor announced “Motion carries.” Councilors urged staff to monitor effectiveness and adjust signage and programming as needed.

The motion was listed as a recommendation from Public Safety and Public Works and did not include a specific appropriation in the council motion; staff said procurement and placement will follow routine Public Works and Police Department procedures.