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.  In collaboration with community members, a series of LED-enhanced sign rings were installed along Summerwinds to help calm traffic while other options are assessed.

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

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.  The sign rings remained in operation for a little over a year before data collection was repeated to aid staff's evaluation of the LED sign rings' effectiveness.  Polls were also available to allow residents to provide direct feedback and comments.

All 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. 

Based on staff's review of the LED sign ring study, there is currently no plan to remove the enhanced signs.  Cary Public Works staff are continuing to maintain the devices.  Future plans for additional traffic calming in this community will progress based on community interest and cognizant of other project work in the area.

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 poll regarding the use of LED sign rings is now closed and the results are viewable below and on the following page (by selecting Continue). 

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.