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Traffic studies show high speeds near Beecher Road school; officials propose targeted enforcement and consider calming measures
Summary
Speed studies presented to the Woodbridge Traffic Authority found 47% of vehicles on Beecher Road exceeded 35 mph (posted 25 mph), Rimmon Road recorded an average of 43.5 mph with some extreme readings, and Acorn Hill Road had an average speed above the limit; the department plans targeted enforcement during peak times and to review signage and other calming steps.
Deputy chief presented three seven-day speed studies conducted in June that identified high rates of speeding on Beecher Road, Rimmon Road and Acorn Hill Road.
On Beecher Road (near 19 Beecher Road, posted 25 mph), the study recorded that vehicles traveling more than 35 mph — the 10-mph-over threshold the department highlighted — accounted for 47.32% of vehicles; the deputy chief said the average speed there was 34 mph and the maximum recorded was 62 mph.
At Rimmon Road (posted 40 mph), the study found 14.28% of vehicles exceeded 50 mph, an average speed of 43.49 mph and a maximum reading of 104 mph that the deputy chief said may be a spurious electronics reading.
For Acorn Hill Road (posted 25 mph) the study recorded that 25.4% of vehicles surpassed the 35-mph threshold, with an average speed of 31.6 mph; the deputy chief noted the minimum speed data for that site did not appear when the report was pulled.
Why it matters: Beecher Road runs adjacent to an elementary-school driveway, drawing concern from the Board about safety during drop-off and pick-up times. Commissioners asked the department to verify signage and said they would like follow-up after targeted enforcement to see if assignments and signage changes reduce speeding.
Next steps: The department said it would use study timestamps to assign officers at high-risk times, can repeat the studies after enforcement, and will report back at a future meeting. The deputy confirmed Beecher and Acorn Hill are town roads; Rimmon is likely a state road and would require coordination for some calming measures.
The Traffic Authority accepted the studies and requested staff investigate signage and potential traffic-calming options around the school.
