New Haven official urges funding for radar speed feedback signs on Forest Road

New Haven officials told the Appropriations Committee on March 5 that HB 5172, which would fund radar speed feedback signs on Forest Road, is a practical, low-cost safety countermeasure that could reduce crashes and improve driver behavior.

Haley Simpson, director of transportation, traffic and parking for New Haven, presented corridor data showing roughly 12,000 average annual daily traffic and about 71 crashes reported along Forest Road between Jan. 1, 2023 and Feb. 2026. She said radar signs provide real-time speed feedback and prompt self-correction, and she emphasized the importance of including maintenance money in any appropriation so devices remain operational. “If the state funds installation but not upkeep, devices can quickly fall out of service,” Simpson said.

Committee members asked for more granular data on school drop-off and peak-hour effects (Hopkins School was mentioned) and discussed variable acquisition and maintenance costs. Lawmakers indicated they would seek a point estimate for equipment, installation and upkeep to evaluate HB 5172.

Next steps: the committee requested a cost estimate and more granular traffic data for the corridor to inform budget review.