By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville is conducting ongoing traffic studies across the city to ensure drivers are safe and comfortable with speed limits. As the population grows and traffic increases, the city is working to get ahead of foreseeable issues.
Over the past several months, new speed limit sign radars have been posted in various locations to conduct the surveys. The two radars cost $2,500 each. After workers install the radars, the radars are left to count traffic and record speeds of drivers for several weeks. Chief Eric Rush said the city will then be able to gather the data in order to make informed decisions about speed limits and speed humps.
“The results of our studies help us pinpoint areas that qualify for speed humps,” Rush said. “We can also do traffic surveys to alter speed limits that are outdated.”
Two studies happening now are on Trussville Clay Road and on Longmeadow Parkway.
On Trussville Clay Road, Chief Rush said he is looking to see if the current speed limit in the 4000 block should be increased. It is currently set at 25 mph. Rush said he will be looking for the 85th percentile.
“The 85th percentile is considered a safe speed for any given roadway because that means 85% of drivers are going that speed or slower,” said Rush.
On Longmeadow Parkway, citizens have requested the city install speed humps, according to Rush.
The results of both studies will be presented to the Public Safety Committee and if changes are suggested, that data will be presented to the city council.
When conducting traffic studies, officials in Trussville have several options. There are speeds limit sign radars, portable radar trailers and MetroCount Traffic Tubes, which are placed across the road. When it comes to accuracy, Rush said many people may slow down when they see the radars or tubes, but all devices yield similar results.
“I have actually compared results from the radars and driver reaction was pretty consistent across all mechanisms,” Rush said.
None of the traffic survey tools include cameras or enforcement features.
“We’re just doing traffic counts and speed surveys,” said Rush. “There is no video on these and nothing is taking pictures to send drivers tickets.”
If you would like a traffic study conducted in your area, contact Chief Rush or Capt. Dave Morette.