Speed Humps, Rumble Strips To Be Installed on Three Riverdale Streets

Speeders beware.

There might be some extra bumps on the road on your way to and from work, now that Riverdale Park's council approved the installment of two speed bumps and a set of rumble strips on three roadways in Riverdale Park.

Councilman Alan Thompson asked that council vote to approve traffic calming measures on three streets after residents in Ward 2 complained about speeders.

from residents for speed humps at the 4700 block of Sheridan Street, 4800 block of Sheridan Street and the 6400 block of Lafayette Street.

He said speeding has been a problem in the area, but it's also a place where children play in the street.

DPW Director Leonard Addison said the speed humps are more acceptable on secondary streets like Sheridan, but on Lafayette it could pose a problem for DPW equipment during snowstorms.

Riverdale Fire Department President Steve Lamphier added that a speed hump can add an additional 3 to 10 seconds to a response time. Lamphier pointed out the wear and tear it could cause on the fire department's equipment as well as the a level of discomfort for someone riding in the back of an ambulance.

Thompson received the petition two years ago, but after trying to use other measures to slow traffic, including increased enforcement and a monitoring system. nothing has seemed to work. The monitor recognized about dozen people speeding over 60 mph on a day in August of 2010, he said.

Council approved to put speed humps on both blocks of Sheridan Street. But a speed hump on Lafayette Street was a bit more problematic for council.

Mayor Vernon Archer said speeding is an issue all around town, but that depending on where speed humps are placed it can set a precedent for others to make a similar request, especially on a main road like Lafayette Street.

Both Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler and Councilman David Lingua said they noticed people go through stop signs, however Lingua was also concerned about setting a precedent by placing speed humps on Lafayette Street.

"I think there’s other ways we can approach speeding or reckless driving in the area," Lingua said.

But, Thompson said the police officers enforcing speeds have recommended a traffic calming device.

Capt. Patrick Timmons, of the Riverdale Police Department, said things have been tried over the years with stop signs. The major problem is during rush hour.

Councilman Chris Henry asked if something could be placed on the roadway to disturb it — "send shocks through your nervous systems as you approach," which led to council discussing rumble strips. 

Council voted to approve the installment of rumble strips on Lafayette Street.