MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Traffic concerns continue to rise in one Rutherford County area.

But a new traffic calming program is proving effective in slowing drivers down. The results of the program are positive, as leaders try and crack down on reckless driving.

In a recent council meeting, the Murfreesboro City Council provided an update on what its traffic calming program has accomplished so far.

The basis of the program is about listening and responding to residents about speeding concerns. Every street or neighborhood has to meet a form of criteria to qualify, but once they do, they can receive devices like speed cushions to digital speed limit signs.

Speed cushions are currently installed in six locations around the city in places like Haynes Haven, Alexander Boulevard, and Savannah Ridge Drive between South Church Street and Cooper Road.

City of Murfreesboro engineer Michelle Emerson said they've seen a decrease in speeding since starting the program.

"So far, we've installed them in six locations with a seventh location approved," Emerson said. "We've seen an average decrease in speed of 14%, with Savannah Ridge having the most results, going from a 36-mile-an-hour speed to a 27-mile-an-hour speed."

The decision process for the program is made by engineers, confirming whether the request meets basic criteria. An application is then sent to the requestor, and a signature is required by the requestor and two other residents who live on that street. The city will then collect data and use an evaluation form to determine whether the roadway qualifies for further action.

The city also implemented digital speed limit signs on roads like Kingdom Drive, Saint Andrews Drive and Hamilton Drive. Emerson said the city is finding the signs to be an effective deterrent and monitoring tool.

There has been a seventh location approved for the program as well. Engineers will look at volume, crash history, lack of sidewalks and close proximity to schools.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/murfreesboro-traffic-calming-program-sees-positive-results-on-roadways/