Members of the city council approved the purchase of 10 of the solar-powered radar signs at a cost of $27,285 at a recent meeting. The purchase will be funded through the city Metro Act budget. The city utilizes state Metro Act funds for public improvements within city right of ways.
In 2019, Westland received a traffic grant which allowed for the strategic placement of similar solar radar signs throughout the community. Existing signs have shown to significantly reduce speeding in those locations, noted Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik.
“Reduced speeds help protect our pedestrians and bicyclists,” Jedrusik said.
“After conducting further traffic studies, we have identified additional locations which would increase the efficiency of our pedestrian safety program.”
Signs are proposed for installation at Wildwood between Ford and Hunter (both northbound and southbound) due to Jaycee Park, Edison School, as well as the Mike Modano Ice Arena; Ann Arbor Trail in the area of Hubbard Street (both eastbound and westbound) due to the new subdivision which may increase vehicular traffic and also the recent removal of a red light which had been in placed at the intersection for many years; Cowan between Farmington and Millwood Street (both eastbound and westbound) due to having two separate High Schools on Cowan Street; Glenwood near Treadwell (westbound) due to the Schweitzer Elementary School and the school crossing on Glenwood; Henry Ruff between Annapolis and Van Born (northbound) due to the residential area and the church along with the large curve of the roadway making speed an issue in that area and Venoy between Cherry Hill and Palmer due to the high number of speed violations and the close proximity of the houses located on the busy roadway.
“During the Master Planning process in 2017, the City of Westland identified pedestrian safety as a priority to increase walkability in the community,” commented Mayor William R. Wild.
“The purchase of these signs will allow us to continue making progress towards that goal as well as increase the safety of our roadways.”
Installation of the new signs is slated to take place this fall, officials said.
