Residents press council for Langford Avenue speed cushions; staff schedules test installation

Residents from Langford Avenue told the Charlottesville City Council they face dangerous speeding that endangers children and seniors and asked for speed bumps or other calming measures.

Ketty Rupnik described video evidence and repeated speed studies she said undercounted real conditions: “Although the measured speeds might not be statistically significant, they were upwards of 50 miles per hour,” she told the council, noting the street is posted 25 mph and that at least 18 children live on the upper block. Asa Eslocker and neighbor commenters reiterated the urgency, saying more traffic is likely after nearby construction and that a crash causing serious injury is likely unless measures are taken.

City staff reported progress. The city manager said staff has included a Langford Avenue speed‑cushion (speed table) as a test installation on its urgent infrastructure list and expects to install a trial feature and then a permanent solution before the end of the calendar year, pending materials and prioritization. The urgent list contains 34 locations and staff told council the first batch of surplus spending (approximately $500,000) will be proposed at the next meeting to fund many of those projects.

Separately, Kevin Cox raised safety and pedestrian access concerns on Elliott Avenue and asked staff to reconsider arterials and crossings; staff said Elliot remains under consideration but no commitment was made that evening.

Council requested prioritization details and staff said the Langford pilot could occur sooner if materials and scheduling permit. Residents were advised to remain in contact with city management and expect follow‑up with more precise timing and placement once procurement and testing windows are set.