Aberdeen hears resident complaints about speeding; board weighs street-calming and data collection

Speeding and street-calming drew extended discussion at Aberdeen’s June 8 work session as residents and board members described recurring concerns on Main Street, Bethesda Avenue, South Street and neighborhood roads.

The town’s police/traffic speaker reported a short survey of Legacy Lakes that recorded 539 vehicles between 5:30 and 5:31 p.m. and 11 vehicles over the posted limit; the reported average speed on Lakes Lake Way that sample day was about 19 mph. The speaker cautioned that some reported problems are perception-driven and that targeted counts are necessary to confirm problem locations and magnitude.

Board members and residents discussed options including portable radar feedback signs, rumble strips, additional four-way stops on town-owned roads, and homeowner association letters for repeat offenders. Several speakers noted the town’s limited control over state roads, and staff recommended the police analyze data and return with a prioritized list of problem corridors.

The board agreed to pursue evaluations rather than immediate widespread physical treatments. Staff recommended focused traffic counts, education campaigns and coordination with state highway agencies where the roads are not town owned.

A police official said the data-gathering approach reduced perception-driven responses: "From 5:30 to 5:31 ... a total of 539 cars went through there. Eleven vehicles were over the speed." Board members asked the chief to provide further counts and suggested the town use existing portable radar signs where appropriate as a nonpermanent mitigation step.

Next steps identified at the meeting include targeted traffic counts, chief’s recommendations on priority streets, and coordination with HOAs and state highway patrol where jurisdictional issues exist.