The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
City to decrease traffic speeds
Officials hope to prepare drivers for increases in pedestrian and bicycle travel in the area
Sheffield Lake is taking a safety initiative by installing speed devices in preparation for upcoming projects.
Crews installed two speed tracking radars Feb. 20.
The first radar is located right across the Brookside Nature Trail head and the second is located on the west end of the community on Lake Road near
Lake Breeze Road.
The city used a tactic called “calming the traffic” to prepare residents for an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic to the area, said city Superintendent Pat Hastings.
“We’re going to see more foot traffic in our business district with the proposed sidewalks,” Hastings said.
The city intends to put pedestrian crossings and sidewalks in the area as part of a Lakefront Connectivity plan.
The plan calls for four Lorain County lakefront cities — Sheffield Lake, Vermilion, Avon Lake and Lorain — to provide safe areas for pedestrians and to maintain access to the lake.
“We’re going to see more foot traffic in our business district with the proposed sidewalks.” — Superintendent Pat Hastings
“What we’re doing right now is truly designed to make drivers aware of what’s to come and notice reduced speed zones,” Hastings said.
Police Chief Anthony Campo said there aren’t a lot of accidents or incidents of speeding in the area.
“It’s not that big of a deal,” Campo said. “We want to prepare residents to avoid accidents and promote safety.”
Hastings said the city is sending out bids within the next month or two for the trail extensions and sidewalk developments.
The additions are set to be finished around July 1.
“I’m looking forward to the continuing developments,” Hastings said. “We’ll hopefully see a lot more foot traffic in our business district.”
The city intends to put pedestrian crossings and sidewalks in the area as part of a Lakefront Connectivity plan.