Somerville will install speed humps on Heath Street this construction season; staff discourage 'slow children' signs

A council order requested Drive Slow/Children at Play signage on Heath Street between Edgar Avenue and Fenwick Street. Director Ross told the committee Heath Street is a priority for traffic calming: the city's design shows eight speed humps called for between Moreland and Temple, and three of those are in the Fenwick–Edgar stretch referenced by the order.

Ross said staff do not recommend cautionary 'Children at Play' signage as a principal safety tool because the evidence shows physical measures — speed humps and curb geometry — have greater effect on vehicle speeds and safety outcomes. He noted coordination with utilities is underway so the gas company can finish work before the city installs the speed humps this construction season.

Councilors suggested targeted police enforcement at peak arrival and dismissal times as a complementary approach. Councilor Jesse Klingen, who relayed a constituent request, asked whether Heath Street falls within a school safety zone; staff confirmed the street is included in the city's safety‑zone designations and that those zones are enforced as 20‑mph limits. The committee did not adopt new signage during the meeting; staff emphasized the forthcoming speed‑hump installations as the primary remedy.