PHILADELPHIA – Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams announced today that a Traffic Safety Pilot Project will be implemented, starting Saturday, August 18 on South 6th Street between Walnut Street and Spruce St.  This represents the latest iteration of measures that have been undertaken by the Streets Department in order to implement the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative.

The current measure will include the installation of a temporary speed table intended to calm traffic speeds on the affected blocks.  These devices are fabricated from 100 percent recycled rubber.

In other areas of the city, speed cushions have consistently resulted in a reduction of the 85th percentile traffic speed from 40 mph or more to roughly 25 miles per hour.  This pilot allows the Streets Department’s traffic engineers to test the effectiveness of temporary cushions to achieve the same results, gain insights with respect to best methods of installation, and understand the maintenance implications. This pilot follows up on a number of field studies that have already resulted in new line striping and traffic signage along N. 5th and N. 4th Streets to improve the channelization of traffic and maintain lines of sight.

The Streets Department thanks the citizens for their efforts and involvement in identifying and discussing their traffic safety concerns. It also thanks citizens in advance for their patience and cooperation during the upcoming implementation phase.