City considers radar signs for Grant Ave.

Timothy Tyrell of 9016 Grant Ave. wants people to slow down while going through his neighborhood, and implementing new digital radar signs is a good start.

At the Manassas City Council meeting Monday, Tyrell told the audience that he and his dog were almost hit by a driver who lost control of his vehicle while speeding down Grant Avenue.

"I feel [speeding] is a problem," Tyrell said during citizens' time. "A sign would be something. I have seen roads that have those signs and it makes you aware of what speed you are going."

The city is considering the purchase of four permanent radar signs for the residential end of Grant Avenue and on Sudley Road between Main Street and Portner Avenue. Monday's agenda allotted five minutes to the issue before citizens' time, but it took the council 30 minutes to decide to postpone the vote until June 23.

During his presentation, Public Works Director Moe Wadda explained that the signs would help calm traffic and record speed data that would ultimately benefit the police department in its efforts to curb what has become a haven for speeders.

According to Wadda, the average speed on Grant Avenue was 32 mph, while the speed on Sudley Road was 36 eastbound and 39 westbound. Both roads have a speed limit of 25 mph.

The police department increased their presence at random times in two areas starting in April, said police chief John J. Skinner. The chief said these areas would be well served by these signs.

"Unfortunately, we can't enforce our way out of the problem because of the volume of the traffic and the fact that those roads are major arterial corridors," Skinner said.

Several councilmen and Mayor Douglas Waldron balked at purchasing the signs, though. Councilman Stephen Smith said the city should factor in aesthetics when it comes to placing a permanent structure like a radar sign.

Waldron said he was hesitant to support the purchase given the fact that it failed 2-1 in the finance committee and city councilman Andrew Harrover asked the question of "what's next?" if drivers get used to seeing these signs on these particular roads.

The signs, which would cost roughly $14,500, are similar in size to standard speed limit signs and have been shown to decrease speed in towns like Purcellville, said Wadda.

Wadda also said that speed humps or four-way stops would not be good alternatives for these roads, given their roles as entrances and exits into the city.

But long-time resident Homer Smith, who lives on Grant Avenue, said the problem used to be worse and does not agree with the placement of these signs.

"We have 86 signs on Grant Avenue ...," Smith said. "How many more signs do we need? Putting flashing signs up would look horrible."

Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.