AKRON, Ohio — A program to deploy speed tables to slow lead-footed drivers in Akron’s residential areas will now become annual after garnering positive results and resident feedback, the city said in a release.
Under Akron’s 2023 “Traffic Calming” Program, 21 speed tables will be installed in June in 11 locations, the city said.
Speed tables are not speed bumps — they are large rectangular fixtures with flat tops and tapered ends and are made of rubberized, interlocking pieces. City crews attach them to the street about mid-block and remove them before winter, the city said.
Drivers nearing a speed table will be alerted by flashing solar-powered signs. The motorist’s speed will flash on the signs as the vehicle crosses over the table, the city said. The data will be captured for research purposes.
Speeding is a widespread problem in Akron – one city officials commonly hear resident complaints about, said Mayor Dan Horrigan.
“Last year’s traffic calming program proved itself to be an effective tool to curb speeding and help make our neighborhoods safer for pedestrians and motorists alike,” Horrigan said.
This year's locations were chosen based on resident input and factors that include posted speed limits, roadway widths, number of lanes and historic speed data, the city said. Slopes and drainage were also considered.
This year, speed tables will be installed in these locations:
- Ward 1 — Crosby Street (2) and Maple Street (1)
- Ward 2 — Evans Avenue (2)
- Ward 3 — South Rhodes Avenue (2)
- Ward 4 — Storer Avenue (2)
- Ward 5 — Baird Street (2)
- Ward 6 — Benton Street (2)
- Ward 7 — Glenmount Avenue (2)
- Ward 8 — Ridgewood Road (2)
- Ward 9 — Clearview Avenue (2)
- Ward 10 — Caddo Avenue (2)
Residents living on those streets will be notified beforehand exactly where the tables will be installed, the city said. Residents also can suggest locations online for additional speed tables to be installed.
Last year, the city installed speed tables in all 10 wards on 14 streets notorious for speeders. The city's data showed speed tables lowered speeds an average of 6 mph and were most effective when more than one table was installed on the same street.
More than 50% of residents surveyed said they believed the tables were effective and speeding was reduced, the city said, although speeds increased when the tables were removed.
In the 2020 pilot program, speed tables were installed from March through late fall on two streets — Schocalog Road and Edgewood Avenue.
On Schocalog Road, speeds dropped an average of 7 mph, and speeding was reduced from more than 90% of traffic to 67%, according to a report by the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study. The tables on Edgewood Avenue showed similar data.