Farragut approves speed cushions for Union Road and Midhurst Drive after speed studies and resident ballots

The Town of Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Jan. 8 to install bolt-down speed cushions at two study locations on Union Road and at three locations on Midhurst Drive after staff presented speed-study results and resident ballot returns.

Union Road Staff reported the speed study for two locations on Union Road (between Everett Road and Smith Road) showed 80th-percentile speeds of roughly 39–40+ mph where the posted limit is 25 mph. The town held a public meeting on Aug. 6, 2025, and mailed 16 ballots to the speed zone; seven ballots were returned, with six in favor (86% of returned ballots). The Farragut Municipal Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Staff described the proposed cushions as injection-molded composite pads approximately 78 by 80 inches and about 3 inches tall, bolt-down, and designed to allow emergency vehicles to bypass them via a wheel gap.

Midhurst Drive Staff reported similar results on Midhurst Drive (Foxford Drive to Barber Lane) with 80th-percentile speeds measured between 34 and 39 mph depending on direction. The town mailed 26 ballots to affected residents; 14 were returned with 13 in favor (93% of returned ballots). The planning commission recommended approval, and staff estimated the installation cost at approximately $8,000.

Board action Following staff presentation and no resident speakers signed up during the meeting segment, the board approved both traffic-calming installations as requested; the meeting record notes the approvals were made by voice vote.

What to expect next Public Works/Engineering will schedule procurement and installation of bolt-down cushions similar to existing installations on other town streets; staff will monitor post-installation traffic patterns per town policy.