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WEIRTON -- The city's Traffic Commission is reviewing whether speed bumps or rumble strips are needed in several areas of the community following requests from residents and members of city council.
Meeting Thursday, the commission discussed three new requests for the traffic control measures, tabling each until more information can be obtained.
Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso had requested speed bumps be placed on Bell Boulevard.
Commissioner Michael Hagg explained the request actually was for three sets of rumble strips, but said he feels if speeding is taking place on the street, it most likely is by people living there.
"It's a residential location," Hagg said. "It's not a throughway. It's a dead-end street."
Public Works Director Allen Hess, noting "Watch Children" signs already had been installed in the neighborhood, also expressed concerns about the use of speed bumps or rumble strips.
"I'm not a fan of it," Hess said. "It's very expensive and they don't last."
Hess explained one set of rumble strips, installed in another area of Ward 6 only a few years ago, already need replaced.
"It's an ongoing thing. Every couple of years, they need replaced," Hess said, noting it can cost around $1,000 for each set of rumble strips and accompanying signage.
The commission agreed to set up the city's speed trailer in the area to check vehicles in the area before taking any further action.
"That's always been a first step," Commissioner John Castelli said.
Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell provided two requests, including one for the area of Mount Olive Baptist Church and one for the area of Shiloh Apostolic Church, both on Weir Avenue.
"We're getting complaints all the time," Connell said. "They want something done to slow people down."
It was noted the speed trailer has been set up on Weir Avenue before, and Hagg noted he knows of several previous times where police officers have been stationed to check the speed of vehicles.
Connell said the main concern is on Sundays and Wednesdays during church services, noting most people park along the street despite the churches having some off-street parking.
It was noted there are ongoing discussions for the development of a parking lot at Mt. Olive, with Hess saying once it is completed it could provide some assistance in establishing a cross walk and either stop signs or other measures.
Connell's other request was for North 10th Street, between Sunset Street and Owings Street.
"They've flown by on that street," Connell said. "They're just speeding."
The commission recommended Connell approach Police Chief Charlie Kush about stationing an officer in the area as a measure of enforcement, noting the topography of the area and existing traffic signs.
One request, carried over from the commission's August meeting, was denied. Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone had requested the commission review the possibility of installing speed bumps at 3906 Palisades Drive.
Hagg noted the city's speed trailer had been placed in the area as part of a survey.
"The speed limit is 25 miles an hour," Hagg said. "The average speed is 14."
Only a few cars measured going more than the 25 mph limit, Hagg said of the study.
Perrone, joining the meeting by phone, thanked the commission for its efforts.
"It looks like most people are following the guidelines," she said.