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County approves speed‑humps on multiple residential roads after residents testified about dangerous cut‑through traffic
Summary
The board authorized speed‑hump installations after public hearings: two speed humps on Wheeler Road North, four on Avenue U Northwest, nine on Dean Street (plus an additional hump on Kids School Road). Residents described high speeds (some reporting up to 80 mph), semi trucks and safety risks to children and pets.
Polk County commissioners approved several traffic‑calming resolutions following staff presentations and resident testimony.
Traffic manager Amy Gregory presented speed and volume data, saying Wheeler Road North (85th percentile 36 mph) met policy criteria and staff recommended two speed humps; the board approved that measure after a resident, Elisa Lee, testified about motorists traveling 40–50 mph. Avenue U Northwest (85th percentile 39 mph) likewise met criteria and the board approved four speed humps.
A more contested case involved Dean Street in Mulberry, where staff reported an 85th percentile speed of 50 mph on a 4,180‑foot stretch. Multiple residents—including Jonathan Bass, Ashley Prevatal, James Collins and David Gilbert—gave extended testimony describing heavy cut‑through truck and commuter traffic, bridge concerns and under-enforcement of existing truck restrictions. The board approved nine speed humps on Dean Street and, by separate motion, added a 10th hump near a curve on Kids School Road to address a localized safety concern. Commissioners asked staff to verify truck‑restriction signage and the bridge inspection history as follow‑up.
