In an ongoing effort to reduce speeding in town while also responding to residents’ traffic concerns, the Johnston Police Department continues to modify and improve upon its temporary speed bump program.
“The Johnston Police Department has taken on a very comprehensive plan in order to address and mitigate speeding issues throughout the Town of Johnston, especially in our residential districts,” said Johnston Police Chief Joseph Razza.
According to Chief Joseph Razza, the department regularly gets complaints about speeding in residential neighborhoods, with the department issuing numerous citations and warnings daily.
In 2020, the Johnston Police Department began a pilot program which installed temporary speed bumps throughout the town’s residential neighborhoods. The first speed bump, installed on Cavalcade Boulevard, was monitored by officers for its effectiveness in controlling traffic. The speed humps were part of a multi-pronged effort at traffic control, and after two years, a new speed hump is now being utilized on Cavalcade Boulevard.
“We’ve purchased the latest technology in order to monitor vehicular speed on our residential streets and then use directed patrols at the best times possible in order to enforce prima facia speed limits, said Chief Razza. “We’ve expanded our use and inventory of speed calming devices and we our currently test piloting a new one on Cavalcade Boulevard to determine its durability and feasibility for expanded deployment.”
The Johnston Police Department invested in several temporary speed bumps, made of high-strength recycled rubber, that were then installed on local two-lane roads. The department continuously monitored data during the past two years to determine their effectiveness. The town’s newest device, also installed on Cavalcade Boulevard, has a more sloped profile, making it easier for cars to traverse and eliminating most noise when crossed.
According to Razza, the previous speed hump on Cavalcade proved to be effective in curtailing speed and reduced the amount of cut through traffic on this highly traveled road. He hopes that drivers will find the new speed device more accommodating to their vehicles.
“The Johnston Police Department recognizes the concerns that the public may have regarding speeding, but this public safety issue is not uncommon, and is occurring throughout the State of Rhode Island and the County as a whole,” said Razza.
The speed humps will be left on the roads throughout the fall and will be removed in the winter to accommodate for snow plowing. Razza added that the devices have been placed and moved to streets with high traffic volume, and that the department also considers residents’ feedback when placing the humps.
“While these law enforcement strategies are very comprehensive, they are not a panacea to speeding. It is the responsibility of each resident who drives, and those who come into Johnston to be cognizant and recognize the speed limits put in place throughout the town,” said Razza. “It also the responsibility of the motoring public to recognize that excess speed on our streets create a public safety hazard for everyone who drives throughout the town of Johnston.”
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