West Lake Hills considers traffic calming tactics for Ridgewood Road

West Lake Hills City Council discussed possible traffic calming measures for Ridgewood Road at its May 25 meeting, such as speed tables, flashing radar signs and street painting.

Ridgewood is the widest street in West Lake Hills, with the exception of Bee Caves Road, Mayor Linda Anthony said. In the past the council has utilized non-permanent measures to quell speeding issues on the road, which is home to several families with young children, she said.

“The problem with the speed bumps that are there now is that they’re very easy to swerve around one side and not really have to slow a whole lot,” Anthony said.

The current removable speed bumps on the road do not extend the entire length, leaving around six feet on each side, Anthony said. Residents have put cones or other items in the sections that don’t have the speed bumps to discourage speeding around them, she said.

“The ‘all of the above’ approach is my preference,” Council member Brian Plunkett said. “I think we have to move as quickly as we can.”

Parts of the road are owned by three separate jurisdictions: West Lake Hills, Rollingwood and the city of Austin. These changes would only apply to the portion of the road inside West Lake Hills city limits.

Council directed the city staff to look into the issue and potentially conduct a speed story. More information on possible options will potentially be presented at the city’s July council meeting, according to the city.

“I’d love to hear from the residents what they think. I’m open to any and all suggestions,” Anthony said.