Councilman Kevin Jackson announced the implementation of traffic calming improvements on several streets in the Third Ward. Construction is already underway, and the project is in the second of four phases, with a completion date of early fall.

According to Jackson, “The City hired Fuss & O’Neill Engineers to study areas that received the highest number of complaints about speeding and unsafe driving conditions. They determined that 12 intersections in the area would benefit from the installation of ‘bump-outs.’ Based on the recommendations of the consulting engineers, I allocated $660,000 from Ward 3 bond funds to make the traffic safety project a reality for the neighborhood.”

City engineer Bill Bombard explained that curb build-outs or “bump-outs” are common traffic calming methods used at intersections to make the roadway narrower and cause vehicles to reduce their speed. They are preferred over speed humps and traffic islands because they are considered less intrusive and more effective. The engineer noted also that although roadways may appear disproportionately narrow during construction, all streets in the project area will be at least 20 feet wide, and will provide adequate access for two vehicles to pass through the intersections.

Construction of the bump-outs has been completed at four cross-streets on Lorimer Avenue: Lauriston, Fourth, Fifth and Rochambeau Avenue. Work is currently underway on Hope Street at Overhill, Tenth, and Blackstone Boulevard, and on Hillside Avenue at Swan. In August, construction will begin at Rochambeau and Camp, as well as six intersections on Summit Avenue. All sites will be landscaped through September and October.

Councilman Jackson said that due to safety reasons, streets may be closed during construction. He encouraged those with questions or concerns to contact the City Engineer at 467-7950, or the Council Office at 521-7477.