Salem Seeks Feedback On 'Traffic-Calming' Measures

SALEM, MA — For the past month five streets in the city have been the home to speed humps, planters, cones and flexposts aimed at "traffic calming" as part of the Shared Streets pilot program.

Now the city is looking for feedback on whether the measures are actually working as part of a short survey.

"We are continuing to monitor and evaluate safety and feedback on these new treatments," Salem officials said. "The pilot program is intended to help identify whether traffic calming and division are effective. We are studying traffic impacts to adjacent roadways by collecting before and after traffic volume and speed data."

The resident feedback survey can be found here.

The intent is to collect data from September through vehicle counts, photos, observations and visual accounts of how people are using the space through "street stewards."

At the end of the month, road closures and turning restrictions will be removed so their impact can be evaluated. The speed bumps, planters, cones and flexposts will remain in place through the fall. Painted signs will remain through the winter until it is determined whether to make them permanent.

The program is designed to make travel easier for vulnerable populations, slow traffic, create more room for walking and biking, and create better connectivity to essential services.

Salem received a grant from the Solomon Foundation in August to fund the program on Peabody Street, Ward Street, Fairfield Street, Buffum Street and Chestnut Street.