Speeding drivers in residential areas are a menace, and Des Moines is taking a stand. But here's where it gets controversial: are speed bumps the best solution, or just a band-aid fix? The city council has greenlit a comprehensive traffic calming plan, aiming to transform several neighborhoods into safer, more pedestrian-friendly zones. This move comes after residents like Bill Probasco voiced their concerns, comparing once-quiet streets to bustling highways. Imagine moving into a peaceful neighborhood, only to find it overrun by speeding cars—that’s the reality for many Des Moines locals.
City engineers identified 11 hotspots where drivers consistently ignore speed limits, contributing to nearly one-third of all crashes. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about speeding—it’s about reclaiming streets for families, pedestrians, and cyclists. The plan includes installing 37 speed humps, curb extensions, pedestrian crossings, and even refuge islands. For instance, Williams Street, once likened to a 'cow path,' will now feature nine speed humps to curb reckless driving. Similarly, Hull Avenue and East Douglas Avenue will see a mix of humps, optical speed bars, and improved signage.
Des Moines City Engineer Steven Nabor emphasizes, 'There’s a habitual problem, and we need to address it with the traffic calming program.' The speed humps, modeled after Detroit’s design, are seven feet long and three inches high, aiming to slow drivers to 15 mph while allowing emergency vehicles to pass unhindered. But is this enough? Some argue that while speed bumps help, they don’t address the root cause of speeding behavior.
For residents like Probasco, the changes are long overdue. 'Whatever it takes to protect the babies—that’s what matters,' he said. The $311,414 project, awarded to INroads LLC, is set to begin this summer, with completion by season’s end. Mayor Connie Boesen acknowledges the widespread issue, quipping, 'We could put speed humps on every street for the speed people are going.'
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are speed bumps a necessary evil, or should cities focus on stricter enforcement and driver education instead? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of our streets. Construction is imminent, but the debate is just beginning. Stay updated by subscribing to KCCI's YouTube page or downloading their app for real-time alerts.
