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Richmond board hears strong views over Cochrane Road speed humps; members ask for new data and broader pedestrian plan
Summary
Select Board debated replacing speed humps with speed tables on Cochrane Road after mixed resident feedback; the board voted to gather speed‑monitoring data, consider a corridor study, and explore grant funding for pedestrian improvements.
Richmond — The Select Board heard hours of testimony on July 20 over traffic calming on Cochrane Road, where temporary speed humps were installed earlier as a pilot. Residents and board members expressed sharply different views about whether to keep the humps, replace them with speed tables or pursue a larger corridor plan using grant funds.
Some residents said the existing humps are too jarring and asked the board to consider speed tables or a full study of speeds along the entire length of Cochrane Road. "Could we go to tables? Could you try installing a table? You've got the road dug up," one resident said.
Others argued humps are performing a safety function for pedestrians and trail users and that the town should not remove what slows vehicles while the broader access and user‑pattern issues are addressed. A board member noted that speed controls are only one piece of a larger set of needs — sidewalks, multi‑use paths and coordinated parking and access — and urged the board to pursue planning and funding for a holistic solution.
The board agreed on several next steps: obtain current speed‑monitoring data from deployed radar signs and consider deploying permanent monitoring; request a corridor speed study or baseline post‑construction study for Cochrane Road; and investigate Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and other grants for pedestrian and multi‑use path work. Board and staff emphasized that changes should be informed by data and a town‑level plan rather than ad‑hoc alterations.
Why it matters: Cochrane Road is used both for local travel and recreation access. Decisions will affect safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the roadside character for nearby residents and town maintenance costs. The board framed the issue as a candidate for grant‑funded, phased improvements rather than immediate wholesale removal of traffic calming.
Next steps: Staff and board members will collect radar sign data, scope a Cochrane corridor study and return with options and cost estimates; the board will also pursue grant guidance for a TAP application to help pay for pedestrian infrastructure.
