Cincinnati To Consider $1 Million Traffic Calming Program

After a year in which 300 pedestrians were struck by vehicles and seven killed in Cincinnati, Cameron Knight reports that the city could boost its traffic safety programs with additional investment in traffic calming, if a proposal co-sponsored by Councilman Mark Jeffreys and Mayor Aftab Pureval passes.

"Department of Transportation and Engineering Director John Brazina said the $1 million injection doubles the current budget for pedestrian safety. Ten neighborhoods were planned to see improvements this year, but now 30 will be included in the project."

The plan includes installation of four types of devices, including "speed cushions," a speed bump that accommodates emergency vehicles driving at full speed while slowing regular cars. "The next two devices – slow turn wedges and hardened centerlines – are meant to force drivers to make sharper turns at intersections. This should slow drivers down because they won't be able to make sweeping turns at higher speeds. The devices also push drivers to enter further into the intersections before turning, giving them better visibility."

The fourth device is being dubbed "artistic bump-outs," writes Knight. This initiative would cut the cost and deployment time of bump-outs, which usually cost $80,000 to $100,000 per set, according to Councilman Mark Jeffreys. "Neighborhoods will have the ability to stylize and decorate the bump-outs in unique ways."

If approved by the city council, the proposal would use funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to support 30 projects around the city.