A new approach to managing speeding has been initiated in Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, in response to residents’ complaints about road safety.
The township, located approximately 15 miles north of Philadelphia, has implemented a unique method by painting curved traffic lines on Grays Lane.
In a Facebook post dated March 28, the township emphasized that these traffic calming measures are necessary due to numerous concerns from locals about the street turning into a ‘speedway’.
While the initiative aims to address the issue of excessive speeding, especially in residential areas, it has sparked significant pushback from the community.
Montgomery Township had also planned to install delineators—narrow pylons meant to guide traffic— but did not adequately inform the residents beforehand.
As the initiative unfolded, feedback poured in from the community.
Many neighbors expressed a preference for traditional speed bumps over the newly painted curves.
This local outrage ultimately led the township’s Board to decide against the implementation of the curved lines on Grays Lane, with plans to revisit alternative traffic calming strategies moving forward.
Painting curved lanes is just one of various methods employed to manage vehicle speeds.
According to a blog post by Smats Traffic Solutions, there are eight traffic-calming techniques that can reduce speeding, four of which involve modifying road shapes.
Some of these methods include widening or narrowing lanes and constructing roundabouts, with the latter proving effective in managing traffic flow.
Implementing wavy lanes on roads can be less costly and more efficient than other forms of road construction.
Looking to metro Atlanta, the question arises: could similar traffic management techniques be effective here?
Engineers would need to strike a fine balance between lowering speed limits and preventing traffic congestion on Atlanta’s busy roads.
For instance, high-speed traffic on GA-400 could face significant bottlenecks with the addition of wavy lines during peak driving hours, presenting another set of challenges.
Montgomery Township’s decision to paint curves sprouted from the context of a neighborhood street.
Grays Lane, a less than one-mile stretch, merely connects to larger arteries, making it an ideal candidate for the initiative.
With minimal stop signs and a lack of extensive lane markings, it invites drivers who might speed through from the main roads.
This contrasts sharply with many arterial roads in Atlanta, such as Johnson Ferry Road, Covington Highway, Tara Boulevard, and Clairmont Road, that often have multiple lanes well-suited to high-speed travel.
The challenge lies in creating flowing, super-curvy lanes that do not inadvertently worsen traffic conditions on these thoroughfares.
Moreover, certain arterial roads within the city tend to accommodate not just vehicles but pedestrians and cyclists, indicating a need for comprehensive safety solutions.
For instance, initiatives like lane narrowing on Buford Highway can create a dual benefit: reducing speed while providing adequate space for pedestrian movement.
If city officials in Atlanta contemplate adopting the idea of wavy lanes, an essential step prior to implementation would be better community engagement and information dissemination than that seen in Montgomery Township.
Public sentiment plays a crucial role in the success or failure of such measures, and respecting residents’ concerns is vital for effective governance.
The current state of road safety remains inadequate, highlighting the pressing need for innovative solutions to reduce traffic fatalities.
Exploring low-cost strategies—like painting curves, narrowing lanes, and installing speed-reducing structures—should certainly be on the agenda in cities like Atlanta.
Ultimately, the goal is clear: to enhance safety on the roads and create a more accommodating environment for all users.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/gridlock-guy-exploring-painting-curved-lanes-and-other-speed-curbing-ideas/
