Speed bumps appear, then disappear in Federal Hill

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Federal Hill residents say they’re confused after newly installed speed bumps disappeared just days later, now they’re asking why taxpayer dollars were spent installing them, only for crews to remove them almost immediately.

Residents on William Street and Battery Avenue have been asking for traffic calming measures for years, when speed bumps finally went in earlier this week, many thought the problem was finally being addressed.

“So I was quite happy that they installed them. I live on William Street so William is at times a real thorough fare for cars speeding through,” said resident Roger Borg.

But just two days later, the speed bumps were gone leaving behind grooves cut into the pavement, and plenty of questions from neighbors.

“I think it’s unsafe. There’s a lot of families around here, a lot of kids that are at play or next to a park. I think they should have these speed bumps down just to make sure everyone is safe and cautious and no one gets run over,” said Lawrence Shirriel.

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FOX 45 asked Councilmember Zac Blanchard what happened, he sent us a statement saying :

“I spoke with DOT yesterday, and the speed bumps are being replaced very soon. Unfortunately, this design will not discourage dirt bikes, but we have data on 800 battery that this design effectively slows down car traffic, which is a huge win for our residents and visitors to Federal Hill Park.”

“Yeah, I don’t know if even if they had put full width speed bumps it would impact the motor or the dirt bikes. I think those guys, you know, they go over curbs, they go up these hills. I don’t think the speed bumps would be a detriment to them,” said Borg.

Residents say they just want to know the final solution actually works, and whether the temporary installation and removal could have been avoided.

Councilmember Blanchard did not provide a timeline for exactly when the new speed bumps will be installed.

Meanwhile, neighbors say they’ll be watching closely to see whether traffic slows down once they’re back in place.