Speed tables returning to Akron streets this summer

Eric Marotta, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·2 min read
Akron city workers install a speed table in the summer of 2020 on Schocalog Road, one of two locations used to pilot the portable speed-reduction tool that acts like a more gentle speed bump.
Akron city workers install a speed table in the summer of 2020 on Schocalog Road, one of two locations used to pilot the portable speed-reduction tool that acts like a more gentle speed bump.

Akron is repeating last year's efforts to reduce speeding in residential neighborhoods with the installation of 21 speed tables as part of its 2023 "Traffic Calming" program.

In 2020, the city and the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) conducted a pilot project to determine the effectiveness of speed tables on reducing vehicle speeds along residential streets. The program showed speed tables were effective at reducing speeds by 6 to 8 mph. Speeds increased after the tables were removed.

The report on the 2020 Speed Table pilot program is at https://amatsplanning.org/akron-speed-tables/

Speed tables were deployed in all 10 city wards in 2022 based on resident input, Akron Police Department feedback and traffic engineering speed and roadway data.

City officials say speeding in residential neighborhoods is one of the most common concerns the city receives from residents.

Last year: Slow down! Akron installing 28 speed tables; more traffic calming methods to come

Residents who would like to have a street considered for the Traffic Calming Program should submit their requests at www.akronohio.gov/trafficcalmingrequest.

The Institute of Transportation Engineers defines traffic calming as “the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users.” More information is available at https://www.ite.org/technical-resources/traffic-calming/.

Public outreach in 2022 was performed before installation, and data was collected at some of the locations during installation and after removal. Over 50% of survey respondents believed speeding was an issue in the corridor and that the speed table was effective in slowing down traffic. Overall, residents supported traffic calming at these locations.

Public feedback included more than 1,300 completed online surveys, and over 500 speed table requests in 2022.

Residents who would like to provide feedback are asked to complete the survey at www.akronohio.gov/2023trafficcalmingsurvey

Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron to install speed tables again to slow residential traffic