Town Projects

If you believe there is a particular area within the Town limits where speed limits are not clear, please contact us, and we’ll review the request. The best practice is that the fewest number of signs are the most effective.  There is a balance between providing adequate information to motorists and adding so many signs that it creates what is known as ‘sign pollution’ and leads to reduced compliance with all signs.     

State law and a national engineering standard stipulate the process and analysis that should be followed in determining speed limits.  The standard ensures that speed limits are set in a manner that is consistent and not arbitrary.  Please contact us with any requests to review speed limits.  Note that a change in speed limit alone does not typically result in a measurable change in average travel speeds, as motorists drive at the speed they feel is reasonable regardless of the numbers on the signs.  So, a change in the speed limit may need to be accompanied by recommendations to change the character or feel of the roadway.  Please see information on the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.   

The implementation of all-way STOP is guided by a national standard that reviews volumes, turning movements, visibility, and crossing maneuvers.  They are based on decades of operational and safety data and are used to identify the most appropriate type of traffic control for an intersection.  Please contact us with any requests to review a specific location.  Numerous studies have shown that installing stop signs for the purpose of speed control has no effect on overall speeds in a corridor, and stop signs that are installed in locations where they are not operationally needed result in low compliance and can lead to safety issues with pedestrians/bicyclists crossing the roadway with a false sense of security.  

Timnath is in the process of developing pedestrian crossing treatment guidelines.  The guidelines will outline the process and analysis related to determining whether a crossing treatment is appropriate and, if so, what type.  Research has shown that simple, marked crosswalks are of limited benefit in some circumstances and may create a false sense of security that degrades safety.  That is why Timnath is using national best practices to develop our process and ensure crossing treatment decisions are as safe as possible.  The guidelines should be complete by the end of 2024.  Check back in the spring of 2025 with requests for locations to review. 

Timnath is in the process of developing a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.  The program will outline the process, the analysis, the available tools, and the prioritization of locations for potential traffic calming, such as speed bumps.  The program is scheduled to be fully developed and ready for use by the end of 2024.  Check back in the spring of 2025 for detailed information on the implementation of the Calming Program. 

The Town of Timnath prioritizes providing a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation system for people using all modes of travel.  The Town applied for and successfully received a $220,000 federal grant called “Safe Streets for All” to develop a Safety Action Plan for the Town.  The project will involve a comprehensive review and analysis of reported traffic crash data and a robust public outreach effort to gather information and safety concerns from residents.  The project also requires a commitment from Town leadership to support reducing the numbers and severity of crashes, and the resulting final document is a detailed action plan to improve safety.  The project is expected to begin in the spring of 2025 and will take about one year to complete.  Look for more information related to this exciting and important project in 2025.