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Board discusses $100,000 pilot for speed cushions on Dobson Knob Trail, seeks developer partnership
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Summary
Board members flagged public-safety concerns tied to a large development and discussed a traffic-calming pilot focusing on removable speed cushions (approx. $100,000) and later raised crosswalks; staff suggested using impact fees or seeking developer contributions and will return with cost and location plans.
At the April 27 budget workshop, board members and staff discussed traffic-calming measures tied to the Dobson Knob Trail connection and a large ‘‘Twinning Station’’ development.
Kyle (planning staff) introduced the idea of a pilot program for removable speed cushions and said staff had discussed raised pedestrian crosswalks and other traffic-calming devices with the developer and internal departments. Board members pushed for public-safety protections near schools and neighborhoods; one alderperson said they would prefer a pilot of temporary cushions before committing to permanent raised crosswalks.
Costs discussed were preliminary: a rough unit estimate for four raised pedestrian crosswalks was described by the Chair at about $160,000; staff suggested a $100,000 pilot for speed cushions to cover purchase and installation and said cushions can be moved or removed if they cause problems. Fire Chief Beasley and police staff said that properly designed cushions (with split widths) can preserve emergency response access while slowing typical passenger vehicles.
Board members also discussed funding sources: earmarking impact fees, asking the developer to contribute up to $50,000 for pedestrian-safety devices, or using the capital budget. Staff recommended identifying pilot locations with streets/PD/fire/street departments and returning to the board with a purchase-and-installation cost estimate.
Next steps: staff will prepare cost estimates, proposed pilot locations and a plan for installation and maintenance to include in the coming budget cycle; the board indicated support for a pilot but no final vote or commitment was made at the workshop.
