Toledo: Speed bumps for busy Rhode Island, Connecticut road area

1/26/2005

Residents of Rhode Island Road and Connecticut Boulevard won't get the four-way stop signs they have been arguing for in their neighborhood, but will get speed humps, and stop signs will be re-configured.

At is it, the two streets run south from Airport Highway to Pilliod Road without a stop or yield sign.

People who live in the residential area complained that traffic volume was increasing because of new subdivisions in the area and many of the cars were speeding along their roads.

Larry Ramm, of Connecticut Road, said the speeding had reached the point where it was an issue of safety for the residents and their children.

Ron Myers, of the Lucas County Engineer's Office, said a survey of traffic volume didn't warrant the four-way stops requested.

He said surveys in two areas showed an average traffic volume of 690 vehicles per day and a speed of 34 to 36 mph for 85 percent of the traffic.

Mr. Myers added that traffic signs have been shown in many studies to be ineffective in slowing traffic. He said speeds at mid-block tend to be the same whether a vehicle has been stopped at an intersection or has traveled without stopping.

He told Springfield Township trustees at their most recent meeting that the two streets did have a situation with cars going to fast for which speed humps might be appropriate.

Sandra Brasington, township clerk, noted that the speed humps aren't always popular, but that trustees agreed in this instance to authorize them. Both Rhode Island and Connecticut are due to be resurfaced this year and speed humps will be included in the planning.

Stop signs at the intersections will also be changed.

Currently there is a stop sign for traffic for Manuel Street at the intersection with Rhode Island. That sign will be moved to stop Rhode Island traffic at Manuel.

A stop sign for traffic on Longworth Street at the intersection of Connecticut with be changed to stop Connecticut traffic at Longworth.

Mr. Myers pointed out that most everyone driving on Connecticut and Rhode Island uses the streets on a daily basis.

He said signs alerting drivers to the new sign configurations will be posted. He added that the engineer's office will wait until weather improves before altering the traffic patterns in the neighborhood.