[CGC] Article from the 1/20 Star-Democrat

[Administrator]

Traffic-calming measures discussed
By RACHEL SWICK
Staff Writer
January 20, 2008

CENTREVILLE  A Monday morning meeting to discuss traffic-calming measures in 
downtown Centreville allowed town and state officials, as well as residents, 
to bring issues to the table and brainstorm solutions.

"We addressed everything at the two-hour meeting and everyone got to speak," 
said Centreville Council President Norman Pinder.

 "The real problem is traffic and we have a lot of it. There's not much we 
can do about that."

Del. Richard Sossi, R-36-Queen Anne's said the meeting between town and 
state highway officials was productive even though nothing was specifically 
accomplished.

"It doesn't hurt to discuss these things and keep the pressure on," said 
Del. Sossi. "We talked about moving the speed limit signs (on Route 213) and 
pushing them back in both directions."

As it is now, the speed limit signs showing motorists the change from 55 mph 
to 30 mph is right at the shopping center, but Sossi recommends they be 
moved farther from town so drivers have more time to slow down.

Pinder said the council has not sat down since the meeting to discuss future 
traffic improvements, but he said from the discussion Monday morning at the 
Goodwill Fire Company he believes some improvements will be made.

He said state officials were receptive to the idea of lowering the speed 
limit on both sides of town from White Marsh on the north side of town and 
from the Route 301 overpass on the south side of town.

Speeds in Centreville range from 25 to 30 mph and Sossi does not feel that 
should change.

Pinder said while some residents want to change to 25 mph, the state was not 
receptive to the idea.

Nationally, the majority of speed limits in downtown areas are posted as 30 
mph, said Del. Sossi.

"Some areas (of Centreville) have 25 mph because that's what it used to be. 
I think we can keep it there," said Del. Sossi. "There's not much of a 
noticeable difference between 25 mph and 30 mph."

Richard Lindsay, District 2 engineer for the State Highway Administration 
(SHA) said the recommendations from town officials and state highway 
officials will go to the Office of Traffic and Safety next week for final 
approval.

"Most of the recommendations deal with speed limit consistency and updating 
signage," said Lindsay. "There are concerns about enforcement and a lot of 
people would like to see us lower the speed from 30 to 25 mph. We hear this 
in every town."

Centreville Police Chief Joe Pignataro conducted a speed survey on Liberty 
Street, a one-way road that is also state Route 213 south.

The speed limit upon entering downtown Centreville is 25 mph, but it 
increases to 30 mph halfway through the downtown area before Fayette Street.

Some residents have been complaining about motorists speeding through the 
downtown area, specifically tractor trailers.

Pignataro's survey showed that, of 908 vehicles scanned at seven different 
times, the average speed was 25.09 mph.

The average tractor trailer speed was 24.67 mph.

Of those 908 vehicles, 67 were detected over the speed limit, but only 25 
were caught going more than 32 mph and none exceeded 38 mph.

Pignataro said the study showed speeding wasn't a big problem in the 
downtown area.

He said people may just think vehicles are going too fast, when really they 
are obeying posted speed limit signs.

Other traffic concerns discussed during the meeting include the weight and 
frequency of use by tractor trailers, the possibility of installing a 
traffic circle at the North Brook development, plans to complete cross walks 
and curbs and compliance with the American Disabilities Act.