Hampton outlines safety options for Shell Road and Greenbrier after neighborhood meetings; enforcement tops community preferences

Jason Mitchell, director of Public Works and Community Development, presented results of neighborhood outreach on safety alternatives for the Shell Road and Greenbrier corridor. Staff framed the problem as a mix of speeding, through-truck traffic and pedestrian-safety concerns exacerbated by nearby construction and a road closure.

Mitchell reviewed a range of options considered during staff work and October/December engagement: rumble strips (estimated $10,000 and a roughly three-month installation timeline, trade-off of increased noise), a traffic circle (estimated $350,000 and requiring right-of-way from five properties), traffic signals (design and property work required; staff estimated 18'24 months to design and install), crosswalks and asphalt art (about $25,000), and temporary or permanent roadway closures (approximately $50,000 and three months to install). Mitchell noted each measure's pros and cons, including potential property impacts and noise trade-offs.

Outreach included two in-person meetings and online surveys, plus door-to-door flyers and mailers; staff said they engaged roughly 152 households and received about 60 survey responses during the November'December outreach window. Survey respondents ranked enhanced police enforcement highest (about 92% support), followed by a traffic signal at the intersection (84%), rumble strips (64%), traffic circle (28%), and crosswalk/asphalt art (24%). Support for temporary and permanent road closures was low (16% and 12%, respectively).

Based on the engagement, Mitchell recommended the Hampton Police Department continue enhanced enforcement for speeding and stop-sign compliance, install flashing warning signage near Shell and Greenbrier, enhance street lighting and add reflective materials to newly installed stop signs. He also advised staff to reevaluate additional modifications after the Aberdeen Road signal comes online in early 2025 and to pursue additional funding through the city's Safe Streets for All program.

Council members asked about timelines for a traffic signal (Mitchell reiterated design, funding and construction steps) and commercial vehicle enforcement; staff said the police department committed to targeted enforcement and that signal construction is a multiyear effort.

Staff will continue to monitor crash and enforcement data and report back as proposed treatments are evaluated or funded.