W. Dundee says no to movable speed bump

The West Dundee village board rejected a proposal to install a movable speed bump to slow traffic along a feeder road connecting Randall Road and Route 72.

Trustees at a committee of the whole meeting Monday night said there was insufficient evidence to suggest speeding was an issue along Carrington Drive, or that a speed bump would reduce the rate of speed along the thoroughfare.

Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said although a handful of residents complained of drivers speeding through the area of the Carrington Reserve subdivision, police speed studies showed the average speed was below the posted speed limit.

"It is a question of is it a real or perceived problem out there?" Cavallaro said. "There is minimal traffic volume and the average speed is 22 1/2 miles per hour, 2 1/2 miles below the posted speed limit."

Given the data, board members said they could not justify the $8,000 price tag for a movable speed bump.

"This certainly is not a minor thing," Village President Larry Keller said. "But with traffic as light as it is, it's just not cost-effective."

Trustee Julie Voss agreed that the information on traffic flow, which amounted to one car per minute during the peak times, suggests the problem is perceived.

"If this was a real issue and there was good data to show that (the speed bump) actually did something, then $8,000 is not a lot to spend," Voss said. "But when there's no data to support it, it doesn't make sense."

The village board will not consider the proposal at its next board meeting.