Spot on Safety

In May 2024, the City of Lorain, in collaboration with Lorain Connected and utilizing resources from NOACA Street Supplies, initiated plans for a temporary demonstration project aimed at improving traffic safety. The project will focus on installing traffic safety dots, designed to mimic the effect of a speed control device, on key corridors within the city. This innovative approach seeks to calm traffic in areas with heavy winter snow, offering a simple and effective alternative to traditional speed control device.

This project builds on the success of the East 31st Street Mural, which left the city with surplus paint supplies. By repurposing these materials, the city has accelerated the timeline for this new demonstration project, set to take place in the summer of 2024. The City of Lorain's Engineering Department has proposed East 31st Street, Ashland Avenue, Edgewood Drive, Marina Parkway, and California Avenue for this project. These midblock installations aim to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

The city is committed to rigorously studying the effectiveness of these traffic safety dots. We plan to conduct an official federal highway experiment, leveraging our previous experience with FHWA projects, such as the Washington Avenue Advisory Bike Lanes. For this proposed permanent FHWA experiment, the city intends to recruit the following subject matter experts to guide the project, ensuring a thorough and scientifically sound assessment:

• Kathryn Wade, District 3 ODOT Safety
• Katie Sieb, Toole Design Group
• Dr Jacqueline Jenkins, Peng, Cleveland State University Professor
• Dr Emmanual Kidando, PE, Cleveland State University Professor

This temporary demonstration project represents a novel approach to traffic calming in Lorain. By utilizing readily available materials and focusing on ease of installation, we aim to address safety concerns without the complications associated with more traditional methods. This project has the potential to serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges, particularly in regions with harsh winter conditions.