If you\u2019re driving near La Mesa\u2019s civic center this month, you might want to slow your roll.<\/p>\n
The city is testing temporary speed humps on Date Avenue as part of a pilot program aimed at improving neighborhood safety by slowing traffic.<\/p>\n
The city is asking for input on the temporary speed humps that were placed near City Hall and the police station before deciding whether to make them permanent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope to be able to use those (temporary speed humps) as examples, because a lot of residents say, \u2018Well, I\u2019d like to drive over one,\u2019\u201d said Michael Kinnard, the city\u2019s engineering project manager. \u201cSo we\u2019re putting a couple of those around the civic center so the residents can drive over those and provide feedback.\u201d<\/p>\n
The survey asks residents to share feedback on their experience driving over the rubber test humps based on visibility, comfort, effectiveness and overall safety impacts. Responses will be used to determine whether adjustments or further traffic-calming measures are necessary.<\/p>\n
Over the summer, the La Mesa City Council approved a request that staff provide regular updates on the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program to increase transparency with residents.<\/p>\n
The traffic-calming project is separated into three phases. The first \u2014 which primarily focuses on signage, striping, and traffic enforcement \u2014 is about 75% complete, Kinnard told the City Council.<\/p>\n
The second phase, now in progress, consists of the city meeting with residents\u00a0and reaching consensus for permanent traffic-calming plans.<\/p>\n
During the final phase, the city will build the traffic-calming elements, such as speed humps or roundabouts, after they are approved by a neighborhood vote.<\/p>\n
Residents who want the traffic-calming measures must submit a petition to the city.<\/p>\n
Streets are ranked based on how severly speed needs to be mitigated.<\/p>\n
To be eligible, the street must have a speed limit of 25 mph or less and 85% of drivers must reach a speed greater than five miles per hour over the speed limit, among other criteria.<\/p>\n
In order to qualify for the program, a petition with signatures from at least 10 residents or 25% of households affected by the improvements must be submitted. Further, the street cannot be identified as an emergency vehicle access route. Eligibility can be checked using an interactive map<\/a> created by the city.<\/p>\n