Wayne council approves traffic-control changes, orders speed humps near Taft School

The Wayne City Council voted June 3 to approve multiple traffic-control orders that add yield and stop signs at several intersections and install three new speed humps on Gloria Street near Taft School.

The council approved Traffic Control Order (TCO) 624 to add yield signs at Winslow and Biddle; TCO 625 to place three speed humps and associated signage on Gloria Street (100 feet south of Clinton, 185 feet north of Taft, and 275 feet south of Carlisle Parkway); TCO 627 to add multiple yield/stop signs and a guardrail on Glover and Chamberlain; and TCO 628 to add yield signs at Haroon and Second. Councilmembers voted in favor of each order; motions carried without recorded opposition.

Public comment and staff presentations framed the decisions. Vern Amos, the city’s crossing‑guard supervisor, urged more visible signage and a “right‑turn only” restriction at the Taft School parent lot, arguing that clearer signs and flashers (similar to ones on Michigan Avenue by Walker Elementary) would improve safety for children and crossing guards. Sharon Bonnick, a resident, also praised Amos and said the measures were long overdue.

City staff described the measures as intended to reduce speed and improve emergency access. The public‑works representative explained that the speed humps are asphalt, about 4 inches high and 18 inches wide, and would be poured into the roadway (not removable plastic strips). Assistant Director Schmidt at DPW will handle bidding and installation; staff said they expect the humps to be in place before the start of the school year. Officials said the humps would be maintained like other asphalt road repairs.

Councilmembers asked for clarification on the difference between “humps” and “bumps,” vehicle damage concerns, expected operating speed mitigation (staff estimated about a 20 mph target), and whether roads would be closed during installation. Staff said long-term closures are not anticipated and that drivers will be informed by signage; plow operations will be adjusted for winter maintenance. The police chief and DPW staff said several traffic barrier walls in the city are being removed and signage or traffic control devices are needed at those locations to preserve emergency access.

The council recorded motions and aye votes for the TCOs. No amendments were adopted on the floor. Several residents thanked the council for moving forward; some asked for quicker follow‑up on related speed‑measurement signs the school district is reportedly considering.

The orders direct DPW to procure and install the described signs and to proceed with the humps’ construction once contracts are awarded. No legal or budgetary thresholds beyond the standard procurement process were referenced in the council discussion.