Findlay to take closer look at traffic problems

FINDLAY — Traffic patterns and driving habits in the city of Findlay are about to get a much closer look. Findlay City Council has agreed to appropriate $50,000 to hire a consultant to conduct a "traffic calming study." The appropriation was included in the city's fourth round of capital improvement spending this year. The legislation appropriated about $680,000 in spending for projects and equipment, including $50,000 to update the city's 911 system to Next Gen 911. The digital, internet protocol (IP)-based is designed to provide faster access to emergency services, allowing the public to send voice, photos, videos, and text messages directly to the 911 network. The purchase would also include a NICE Recorder. The recorder software is capable of recording everything that happens during an emergency, not just calls, but also radio chatter, text messages, videos, and even what dispatchers see on their computer screens. The system can then piece all the information together into a searchable timeline of events. The traffic study is in response to an increasing number of complaints by city residents to the Findlay Traffic Commission. Most of the complaints are about excessive speed. A traffic calming study is an evaluation conducted by transportation planners or engineers to assess ways to reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety, and enhance the quality of life for all roadway users — especially pedestrians and cyclists—within a specific area or neighborhood. The goal is to determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and, if so, which are most appropriate. During the study, information will be collected on vehicle speed and volume counts, crash history, pedestrian and cyclist activity and infrastructure details, like the width of streets, curves and visibility. The studies typically include community input from the public, emergency services, transit agencies and schools. The information would be used to identify speeding "hotspots" or cut-through traffic and its impact on surrounding streets. Recommendations would then be made to reduce speeding, lower crash rates, discourage cut-through traffic, and improve walkability and livability in residential areas. Recommendations could include: speed humps, curb extensions, traffic circles, lane narrowing, raised crosswalks, signage and pavement markings. The study would be expected to provide cost estimates, timelines, and pilot testing opportunities, along with ways to evaluate the impact of any changes.