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Bel Air commissioners weigh speed-hump request, broader traffic-calming program
Summary
Commissioners reviewed neighborhood traffic management requests across several East Broadway blocks and discussed next steps for codifying the town’s traffic-calming process; staff reported traffic counts and 85th‑percentile speeds and noted a school-related increase in volumes.
The Board discussed multiple traffic-calming requests at its Sept. 30 work session, including a proposed speed hump for the 500 block of East Broadway and safety concerns at the State Highways intersection of Route 924 (South Main) and Idyllwild Road.
Town staff briefed commissioners on recent Neighborhood Traffic Management Program activity. Town Administrator Eddie Krantz and staff said several resident complaints triggered local study: speeding concerns on Linwood Avenue at Maitland Street, two locations on East Broadway (300 and 400 blocks), and the Idyllwild/Route 924 pedestrian crossing near Homestead Village and Beller Middle School.
Staff told the board that measured traffic volumes can vary substantially with school in session: the same Broadway location produced a summer count near 4,000 vehicles and an in‑session count above 7,000. The 85th‑percentile (commonly used as an indicator of prevailing speed) for one 300‑block measurement was about 27 mph; another location on Broadway measured an 85th‑percentile near 31 mph. Commissioners acknowledged those results and some residents’ safety concerns but noted that measured speeds were near, not wildly above, typical travel speeds on those roadways.
Several commissioners stressed the need to adopt a codified process for traffic‑calming requests so staff and the board have clear decision criteria. Commissioner Taylor suggested the board formalize standards used by the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, noting that other jurisdictions have adopted the program as a matter of law and delegated continued implementation to staff and technical committees. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a codified process and to return the Broadway speed‑hump matter to the Oct. 6 agenda for public discussion.
Separately, residents asked for a yellow flashing light at the Route 924/Idyllwild intersection to aid middle‑school walkers; staff noted the intersection is on a state road and recommended submitting a study request to State Highways (SHA) while pursuing interim measures town staff can control (additional signage, improved crosswalk markings and trimming town‑owned street trees to improve sightlines).
The board did not take a vote Sept. 30. Staff will complete outstanding speed and volume measurements for additional Broadway segments and prepare a proposed, codified Neighborhood Traffic Management Program for future action.
