The Broad Bay Island Civic League Board wants to keep residents informed about the upcoming installation of speed tables on Broad Bay Road.
Background:
- The City of Virginia Beach has been monitoring traffic speeds on Broad Bay Road for over a decade.
- Concerned residents have expressed ongoing safety worries due to excessive speeds.
- Two years ago, a petition circulated by a resident garnered signatures from over 75% of property owners along the affected section of Broad Bay Road, from the bottom of the entrance ramp to Lone Pine Road.
- In accordance with the City’s Traffic Calming Procedures, this petition allowed the City to:
- Increase the minimum fine for speeding in this section to $200.
- Install speed tables if traffic speeds remained unacceptable after the fine increase.
Traffic Calming Measures:
- Unfortunately, raising the minimum fine did not result in a significant reduction in speeding.
- Therefore, the City will be installing speed tables as the next step in its Traffic Calming Program (TCP).
Resident Involvement:
It’s important to remember that these traffic calming efforts, including increased fines, police presence, and now speed tables, are all being implemented based on requests from Broad Bay Road residents.
Speed Tables and Safety:
- Speed tables are designed to slow down traffic to a safe speed limit.
- They are typically designed to be driven over at speeds around 25 mph.
- However, for those who follow the posted speed limit, the driving experience will not be significantly impacted.
Emergency Vehicles:
- It’s important to note that these speed tables have been chosen specifically because they will not impede the passage of emergency vehicles.
The Civic League Board understands that some residents may have concerns about the speed tables. We encourage open communication and will share additional information about the project timeline and answer any questions you may have. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
