Henrico County Traffic Calming Program
Research shows a reduction of between 9% and 17% in traffic speeds in areas where vechicle activated signs operate.
Many commuters use West End Drive to travel between Broad Street and Hungary Road. What they may not know is that they are driving through the oldest planned subdivision in the West End of Richmond. We have sidewalks, playgrounds, an elementary school, a wonderful events facility owned by the WEMCA Neighborhood Association and more. Unfortunately, due to increased development pressure north of Hungary Road, we’re seeing more and more people using our neighborhood as a cut through.
Our road is labeled as a “Minor Collector” route on Henrico County’s 2010 Major Thoroughfare Plan and so the traffic volume comes as no surprise. The traffic isn’t a problem but the speeding is.
This morning I was pleased to see a Henrico County Police officer stop in front of my house to set up a radar trailer on West End Drive. Henrico uses the trailers to show drivers their actual speed versus the posted speed limit. The radar trailer is one of several tools used in the Henrico County Traffic Calming Program.
We spoke briefly as I watched the morning commuters whiz by the house driving at speeds well over the posted 35mph limit. Immediately after turning on the system, I noticed a difference. Speeds dropped from their normal 40+ down to 21, 30, 25, etc.
Wonderful.
If you’re interested in this program for your neighborhood, please contact:
Henrico County Department of Public Works
Traffic Engineering Division
P.O. Box 27032
Richmond, VA 23273
Phone: 804-501-7307
Fax: 804-501-7470
Email:
No one has commented on this article.