Council approves traffic-calming phase 0: 35 speed tables and radar signs to start this fiscal year

Council approved the first phase of North Miami’s traffic-calming program on March 12 after Public Works Director Karen Fiddler outlined results of a county-reviewed traffic study and proposed a multi-phase rollout.

Fiddler said the engineering study flagged 75 locations that exceeded county thresholds for calming interventions. To accelerate work, staff separated an initial phase (labeled "phase 0") that focuses primarily on installing speed tables and a small number of radar feedback signs. "So as part of phase 0, we're gonna be putting mostly speed tables in, a couple radar speed feedback signs," Fiddler said, and reported phase-0 probable cost at about $1.2 million.

Staff explained that the city has about $800,000 available by combining funds across two fiscal years and is working to close a roughly $400,000 gap through savings and targeted procurement; some installation materials may be bought and installed with city crews to reduce unit cost. Fiddler said she will provide district-specific location lists to councilmembers.

Council members pressed staff about district coverage and prioritization; a council member representing District 4 said the draft map showed relatively few speed tables in his area and urged staff to ensure equity once funding for later phases is identified. Staff responded that the phase selection came from outreach plus engineering prioritization and that additional locations would be addressed in subsequent phases if funding is available.

The council approved the traffic-calming measures and related intergovernmental agreement items by unanimous voice vote; staff expects to begin work by June and to complete phase 0 within about a year, subject to procurement and funding closure.