LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee discussed potential improvements to the city's traffic calming program on August 18, as officials seek to streamline a process that has handled more than 300 requests annually.

The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, created over 25 years ago, allows residents to work with traffic engineers to address speeding and volume concerns on residential streets. Since its inception, the program has installed 190 speed humps across Lexington, 1,120 radar-backed signs and numerous pavement marking projects.

City officials and senior planner Makayla Geary presented findings from a comprehensive review of the program that included interviews with six council members and constituents who had submitted requests. The review found that while the program's goals are largely met and its studies are highly regarded, several challenges need addressing.

"Communication with staff and council members were applauded," Geary said, noting that the program receives approximately 300 traffic calming requests each year. However, the petition and ballot processes have proven cumbersome, with some residents citing challenges with certified mail and short voting timelines.

Traffic engineering officials proposed launching an NTMP portal for the public to submit traffic calming requests online, along with secure online voting methods to replace traditional ballot cards. The review also identified a need to improve renter participation in the petition process, which currently favors property owners.

The work is part of the broader Complete Streets initiative and street safety efforts being pursued by the city. Traffic engineering also plans to request funding for a dedicated program manager to help manage the workload and allow engineers to focus more on evaluations and recommendations.

Council member Emma Curtis praised the modernization efforts and expressed interest in strategies to increase renter participation. "I know it is a very difficult thing to sometimes manage constituent expectations with regards to these types of projects," Curtis said during the discussion.