The city of Fort Collins is examining options for reducing speeds along Hinsdale Drive near McGraw Elementary. Numerous families in the neighborhood have expressed concern of the speeding traffic.
Note: The city can not move forward until they hear from the residents. You should contact the city (see below) by July 3, 2012 so that the project can be started by the next school year. Remember, written letters get the most weight, followed by fax, phone calls, then email.
The city needs to hear from everyone in the neighborhood that will be affected by the traffic speed reduction devices. There are currently two methods to reduce speeds.
They are:
1. Speed indicating radar. These are pole mounted electrically operated radar guns that determine a vehicles speed and indicate the speed on a sign. The sign can be adjusted for speed and display (flashing).
Pros:
- Very effective at immediate reduction in speed.
- City will pay the cost.
- Flexible to adjust speed.
- Can be turned on/off.
- Emergency vehicles can travel quickly through the speed zone.
Cons:
- Temporary solution as drivers ignore the signs after a period of time.
- Very expensive. Can be $20,000 to install the electrical service, poles and ongoing labor costs to maintain, adjust and fix.
- The city does not have money in the budget for this year or next, maybe 2014 or later.
- Won’t be installed until city approves in budget.
2. Speed bumps. These are asphalt raised bumps in the road that cause drivers to slow down while travelling over the bumps for fear of damaging vehicle.
Pros:
- Very effective at immediate and long term speed reduction.
- City will pay the cost. Costs about $1500 each to install.
- Can be installed by next year.
Cons:
- No flexibility to change once installed.
- Everyone is affected (emergency vehicles as well as ordinary citizens).
The city of Fort Collins needs to know which speed reduction device you prefer. Please voice your opinion to:
Steve Gilchrist, Traffic Engineering Technician
City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations
626 Linden Street, PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Ph: (970) 224-6175, sgilchrist@fcgov.com