Buda residents are tired of speeding and cut-through traffic in their neighborhoods, Planning Director Chance Sparks said. In response to recent complaints from residents the city will host a workshop April 26 to discuss potential strategies for calming traffic, including increased signage, speed bumps and potential intersection signalization.

The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. at the Buda City Council Chambers at City Hall, 121 Main St.

Sparks said the goal of the discussion is to create a policy that can be adopted by City Council and used to improve the safety and function of neighborhood streets.

“[Speeding and cut-through traffic in neighborhoods] is not a broad problem at this point, but we’re wanting to get ahead of it so we have a process in place both for retrofitting neighborhoods and something we can reference when new neighborhoods are constructed to make sure that the traffic and pedestrian environment operates the way it’s supposed to from the get-go,” Sparks said.

Sparks said calming measures can be broadly defined within four categories. The first category involves education and enforcement to make sure people are aware of things like speed limits. The second step involves “light active measures” such as increased signage or rumble strips in certain areas. The third step would include changes to the physical environment such as speed bumps and raised intersections. The fourth step could involve intersection signalization or roundabout installation.

The policy will create a step-by-step process for the city to implement measures aimed at addressing residents’ concerns.

“You don’t just go for the most expensive option,” he said. “You want to take intervening steps to make sure that you’re being efficient with the use of resources.”

Funding traffic improvements will be borne by the developer or residents requesting the measures. According to the draft policy, the city could potentially participate in funding the measures.