Las Vegas commission approves speed cushions for three residential streets

The City of Las Vegas Traffic Commission voted to install speed cushions on Tenth Street between Franklin Avenue and Charleston Boulevard, La Madre Way between Torrey Pines Drive and Jones Boulevard, and Salem Drive between Charleston Boulevard and Alta Drive following engineering studies and public comment.

Commission staff said the measures respond to cut-through traffic and speeding identified in neighborhood studies. Sean Robinson, acting city traffic engineer, told the commission the transportation engineering division reviewed traffic volumes, speeds and crashes for each segment and solicited household input before making recommendations. "The transportation engineering division recommends installing speed cushions on [each segment]," Robinson said. He added that the Las Vegas Fire Department supports the installations provided they meet city standards.

The commission heard two residents during public comment who urged traffic calming. Kelly McCartney Peroni said she supports speed cushions on La Madre Way, citing speeding near an elementary school. Mike Brecklein, who said he has lived on Salem Drive for 38 years, asked the commission to adjust spacing and placement to slow motorists and reduce crashes.

Staff summarized the study findings for each street: for Tenth Street the posted limit is 25 mph, the study found an average speed of 22 mph with an 80th-percentile speed of 32 mph, and staff estimated roughly 50% of traffic on that segment is cut-through traffic. For La Madre Way staff said the posted speed limit is 25 mph and reported an average speed figure and an 80th-percentile speed substantially above the limit; staff described speeding as a significant concern there. For Salem Drive staff reported an average speed of 30 mph with an 80th-percentile speed of 40 mph and estimated about 45% of traffic is cut-through.

Robinson said staff mailed notices to properties fronting the studied segments and reported responses: for Tenth Street 7 of 34 households responded in support and none opposed; for La Madre Way 10 supported and 2 opposed out of about 43 properties contacted; and for Salem Drive 13 supported and none opposed out of 60 notices mailed. Robinson said the recommended spacing for speed cushions follows Institute of Transportation Engineers guidance (generally about 400–600 feet between cushions) and that staff seeks to avoid placing cushions directly in front of driveways.

Commissioners moved and approved each installation. Commissioner Swaddling moved to install the speed cushions on Tenth Street; the motion was seconded and passed. Commissioner Lang moved to accept the recommendation for La Madre Way; Commissioner Emmanuel seconded and the motion passed. Commissioner Stamper moved to approve the Salem Drive cushions; Commissioner Emmanuel seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners who were recorded present in roll call and participated in votes included Vice Chair Calderon, Commissioner Emmanuel, Public Works designee Matthew Meyer, Commissioner Swaddling, Commissioner Lang and Commissioner Stamper; Chair Turner and Commissioner Rice were excused.

Staff and residents discussed cost and placement. Commissioners and staff referenced an estimated unit cost of roughly $10,000–$15,000 per set of cushions; Robinson said installations are "pending future funding" and that the transportation engineering division is mindful of budget constraints. Robinson also said the proposal aligns with the city's Neighborhood Transportation Management Plan.

Votes at a glance

- Item 5: Install speed cushions on Tenth Street (Franklin Avenue to Charleston Boulevard). Motion: install speed cushions on Tenth Street between Franklin Avenue and Charleston Boulevard. Mover: Commissioner Swaddling. Outcome: approved. Tally: yes 6; no 0; abstain 0; absent/excused 3 (Chair Turner, Commissioner Rice, Sheriff designee Aaron Contreras). Note: staff reported 7 of 34 households supported; installation supported by Las Vegas Fire Department.

- Item 6: Install speed cushions on La Madre Way (Torrey Pines Drive to Jones Boulevard). Motion: accept recommendation to install speed cushions on La Madre Way. Mover: Commissioner Lang; second: Commissioner Emmanuel. Outcome: approved. Tally: yes 6; no 0; abstain 0; absent/excused 3. Note: staff reported 10 supporters, 2 oppositions among ~43 properties; installations pending funding.

- Item 7: Install speed cushions on Salem Drive (Charleston Boulevard to Alta Drive). Motion: approve installation on Salem Drive between Charleston Boulevard and Alta Drive. Mover: Commissioner Stamper; second: Commissioner Emmanuel. Outcome: approved. Tally: yes 6; no 0; abstain 0; absent/excused 3. Note: staff reported 13 supporters among 60 notices sent; staff said spacing generally follows ITE guidance (400–600 feet).

Implementation and next steps

Robinson said the fire department has reviewed the concept and that final design will follow city details and specifications. He said timing is subject to available funding and final placement may be adjusted to avoid driveways and to meet the recommended spacing standard. No specific installation dates were announced at the meeting.

The meeting included routine roll call and a short public-comment period; the commission adjourned after approving the three items.