Addressing Neighborhood Speeding Concerns, East Haven Launches 'Traffic Calming Program' With Speed Humps

EAST HAVEN, CT — Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, Chiefs Ed Lennon and Pat Tracy, Town Engineer Jonathan Bodwell, Public Works Supervisor Charlie Coyle, in consultation with and at the direction of VN Engineers, Inc., have announced that the town will begin installing speed humps in select residential neighborhoods next week as part of a larger traffic-calming initiative.

The Town expects this program to roll out in multiple phases across additional neighborhoods.

Phase 1 will start with Forbes Place, Laurel Street, Thompson Street, and Charnes Drive. Work will begin next week to install the speed humps in these locations. The location of the speed humps on these roads was determined along with VN Engineers. Notification signs are already in place on the impacted streets.

Generally, the speed limit in residential neighborhoods is 25 MPH.

At the direction of Carfora, VN Engineers, Inc., a multidisciplined civil engineering consulting
firm, performed traffic and speed studies to ensure that all regulations were followed and that the most effective locations were selected for this initial phase.

Coyle and his team will coordinate locally, while Laydon Industries, under a state contract, completes the physical installation with professional oversight and efficiency.

"Public safety is always the priority," Carfora said. "This program reflects months of collaboration
and careful planning with our engineers and public works team. VN Engineers provided valuable
information throughout the process. For example, we learned that speed humps must be properly spaced in a series to be effective, they cannot be installed too close to stop signs or intersections, and they are not appropriate on descending hills or on steep grades. These guidelines ensure that every location is chosen carefully, balancing safety, access, and the needs of emergency responders. By following these standards, we are taking a measured, data-driven approach to address speeding concerns in our neighborhoods while maintaining safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike."

Unlike speed bumps typically found in parking lots, speed humps are longer and more gradual. They are designed to reduce vehicle speeds to safer levels without stopping traffic completely, improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

"This is Phase 1," Carfora said. "Residents can expect to see additional speed humps in other neighborhoods as we expand the program town-wide. We know not everyone will agree with every traffic change, but these decisions are made with one goal in mind: keeping our residents and their families safe."

For more information, contact Ed Sabatino, Assistant Director of Administration & Management, 203-468-3204 or via email: esabatino@easthaven-ct.gov