If you have spent any time on the road recently, you may have noticed there are many speed bumps. Due to numerous complaints about speeding on major roads, the town of East Haven has decided to install speed bumps in the streets to combat this issue. This is part of the new Traffic Calming Program. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Mayor Joe Carfora to get more information about this new program.
The Traffic Calming Program is a new program being introduced in order to combat the many issues with speeding on our roads. The Town of East Haven decided to hire VNN, a traffic engineering company. They did a traffic study and determined many hot spots where people were speeding. After that, the first phase of the program was initiated, which is what we’re experiencing and seeing today. A total of 10 speed bumps have been added to roads.
While yes, major speeding areas are going to be affected by this program, some roads are not. Mayor Joe Carfora states, “People do have to realize that Hemingway Avenue and parts of Cove Avenue, and Short Beach Road, and Route 80, you know, those are all state roads. The state has to put them there.” Meaning some other major roads that were possible were included in the study result can not get speed bumps added; the state has to add them instead.
Police presence was also another topic brought up; they have been trying to have police present at hot locations. However, due to the low number of officers on shift at a time, they can’t be everywhere. With only 7 or 8 active officers at a time, it is hard to have them all at each affected area. With how small the police department is in general, only 60 or more in total, it is understandable why speed bumps were seen as the best option.
Cost was also a major topic brought up. Before getting the speed bumps installed on the roads, the town paid for a study to be done on all 27 speeding locations. Mayor Joe Carfora states, “We paid everything up front for the study. So altogether, we’re into this for about $65,000 right now as we speak.” To break it down, in total, phase 1 cost an estimated $54,000, spent on the speed bumps alone. The study cost $11,000 for all 27 locations. Altogether, phase 1 cost $65,000.
Despite the high cost, the Mayor is confident this will help slow down speeding on major roads so everybody can drive safely. “…we have a lot of complaints about speeding in town and, and we’re trying to do whatever we can on our end.” Mayor Joe Carfora states. Whether you like this program or not, speeding is a major issue in East Haven. The Traffic Calming Program is a great addition to the town to make sure everybody stays safe on the road.
