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Council discusses speed control options — tables, temporary humps and trees — for Main Street and residential roads
Summary
Council members and residents debated speed tables, removable speed humps, rumble strips and tree plantings as ways to slow traffic. Staff will investigate temporary tabletop/hump pilots, costs and placement and coordinate with utilities and property owners before any permanent work.
The Fairfield Town Council held a substantive discussion on June 18 about ways to reduce traffic speeds on Main Street and residential roads, including temporary and permanent speed humps (also called speed tables), rumble strips, roadway narrowing, landscaping and tree plantings.
RL (council speaker) described near‑daily speeding observations and public safety risks near a park and a bus stop and urged action. Council and staff discussed a menu of options: removable speed humps, permanent asphalt tabletops and slower, long‑term measures such as planting street trees to create a perceived narrowing.
Several council members and residents said tabletop‑style treatments reduce vehicle speeds without the harsh jolt associated with small speed bumps and are a preferred compromise for vehicles pulling trailers. Council members discussed costs: staff reported rough contractor estimates of $5,000–$7,000 per permanent asphalt tabletop and indicated removable modular humps could be tested first as a pilot. A councilor said temporary, removable humps could be installed for trial periods and extended if effective.
Residents raised concerns about rumble strips that can wake nearby homes overnight, and about impacts on trailers and emergency response. Tree planting drew support as a longer‑term traffic‑calming strategy consistent with the town's general plan, but members noted water and utility locations, maintenance and future road‑widening needs can constrain tree placement.
Council directed staff to investigate a pilot tabletop/hump installation for key locations (near the bus stop and park), obtain cost estimates, check underground utilities and return with a recommended tentative schedule. No installation was approved at the June 18 meeting.
