Cary has heard feedback from some residents in the Summerwinds neighborhood expressing concerns related to the volume and speed of vehicle traffic moving through the area.  Staff have discussed with some in the community and begun reviewing the context of these concerns and exploring options for improving the area for all road users.  At this time, staff are working to collect additional data along Summerwinds Drive while also implementing interim measures and assessing their impact while more permanent traffic calming measures are evaluated.

Any input can be provided by emailing the Cary Project Manager using the link below.

In parallel to this traffic calming project, Cary staff are also progressing a sidewalk project within the community.  More information on that effort can be found here - https://www.carync.gov/projects-initiatives/project-updates/sidewalk-projects

live
live
Determination of Need

Cary staff have collected and reviewed data, collected prior to the installation of LED sign rings, on the speed and volume of vehicles traveling along Summerwinds Drive.  Results are summarized in the Traffic Data Summary posted to the Documents section below.

With the LED sign ring pilot study on-going, staff intend to repeat this data collection with the sign rings in-place to determine their effect on travel patterns.

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complete
Community Acceptance

Our poll regarding the pilot program to install flashing LED sign rings is complete.  We currently have a LIVE poll on the following page for citizens to provide feedback on the newly installed sign rings.  Please select Continue at the bottom of this screen to participate.  Preliminary results (as of May 2023) are also posted to the documents section for review.  These results will be coupled with future data collection to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices.

We anticipate additional engagment opportunities after completion of the LED sign ring pilot study to assess other, more permanent traffic calming measures.

Input can be provided at any time by emailing the Cary Project Manger using the link below.

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planned
Appropriation of Funds

As a Collector Street project, improvements to Summerwinds Drive are funded 100% by Cary.

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planned
Detailed Design & Bidding

Design of permanent traffic calming measures is planned to occur after completion of the LED sign ring pilot study, based on data collected in support of the study.

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planned
Construction

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planned
Maintenance

Cary staff have met and otherwise engaged with community members to discuss concerns regarding a perceived pattern of excessive speed along Summerwinds Drive.  Representatives from Cary PD and the Transportation Department listened to the residents, observed the driver behaviors and reviewed preliminary data available to us.  We are currently collecting additional data to review and inform decisions regarding traffic calming in this community.  An exhibit showing the locations where vehicle speed and volume will be measured is posted in the Documents section.

Consistent with Cary's Values, staff have also recommended a pilot project to assess the impact of radar-activated LED sign rings.  This is intended both as an interim measure and as a test that staff will evaluate for use on other projects around Cary.  Staff have installed radar-activated flashing LED lights to the perimeter of four (4) speed limit signs.  These lights are activated by vehicles traveling at an excessive speed (above 32 mph) and will flash for several seconds at a time (traffic-dependent).

The LED sign rings were installed in late January 2023, with traffic data being collected prior to serve as the baseline for the pilot study.  After the short start-up period during which the signs were tested and adjusted, they will be in operation for at least 6 months before data collection is repeated to aid staff's evaluation of the LED sign rings' effectiveness.  A poll is currently available by selecting Continue at the bottom of this page to allow residents to provide direct feedback and comments.

The "before" data that was collected, along with a map of the exact locations for the LED rings can be found below in the Documents section.  Also shown below are the results from a poll completed in October of 2022 to confirm that residents supported the LED pilot study and some of the feedback received since the LEDs were installed. 

The results of this pilot study, along with data collected later this year, will be used to help educate and inform the next steps for traffic calming along Summerwinds Drive.

Input can be provided at any time by emailing the Cary Project Manager using the link below.

Cary Project Manager: Adam Pilarz, P.E., PTOE


Our initial poll regarding the use of LED sign rings is now closed and the results are viewable below. 

Please scroll to the bottom and select Continue to participate in the current poll.

Input can be provided at any time to the Cary Project Manager using the link above.

Please note that information submitted using this platform is subject to the NC Public Records Act and may be disclosed to 3rd parties.

Question title

Do you support the installation of the four (4) proposed LED sign rings?

Do you support the installation of the four (4) proposed LED sign rings?

This project will be fully funded by Cary through our traffic calming program.

Yes
86%
No
14%
Closed to responses | 29 Responses