CINCINNATI — Glenway Avenue is going to look a little different starting this week, as the city launched a new test to address unsafe driving along Glenway Avenue through West Price Hill, according to a news release.
This week, crews will install "center turn lane bumps" along Glenway between Ralph Avenue and Guerley Road in West Price Hill, the city announced.
Those center lane bumps consist of asphalt bumps that will be roughly 7 feet wide and 3 inches tall, much like a center median. The asphalt bump is meant to discourage drivers from using the center turn lane along Glenway to pass slower traffic or to weave between lanes, the city said.
The city's Safe Streets and Roads for All dashboard shows 32 fatal and severe car injuries have happened along Glenway Avenue between 2019 and 2023.
The city's Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) will pilot the test on Glenway first, but if it's found to be successful it could be expanded to other locations next year.
The pilot will bring four of the center-lane bumps to Glenway. It's part of the city's FY25 Traffic Calming Program, which aims to bring safety improvements like speed cushions and curb extensions to 12 different neighborhoods.
That's the same program that's had DOTE workers toiling along Harrison Avenue through Westwood, creating curb extensions and bump-outs at several intersections, with more changes still incoming.
Melissa McVay is with the city of Cincinnati’s Department for Transportation and Engineering (DOTE). She says the concern of unsafe drivers in the turn lanes was brought to their attention by the West Price Hill Community Council.
WATCH: How residents are responding to the turn-lane bumps
In an email to me, Community Council President Ben Klayer said, “When Glenway was redesigned a couple of years ago, the lanes were reduced to one traffic lane each way, and one turn lane in the center. Unfortunately, some drivers have taken advantage of that turn lane, using it as a traffic lane instead. This has caused unsafe driving conditions along our main business district.”
And others in the community agree. Charlie Wilke drives the portion of Glenway Avenue with the new speed bumps every day to and from work. He agrees that the road and some drivers can be dangerous. He believes the speed bumps will slow people down, but doesn’t think it’s the right solution.
“It slows traffic down, I’ll admit to that. But it’s just a hazard for people to avoid,” said Wilke. “You know, they try to avoid them, and they try to go in between them. And they go over to the center lane to not have to go over them, now they’re putting them in the center lane.”
Wilke is concerned drivers may now cross the yellow line to pass cars and avoid the speed bumps, and he’s not the only one with doubts.
On Facebook, several people commented on our post relating to these new speed bumps with their thoughts and concerns. While some do think it’s a good idea and want them in other areas in the city, others are more skeptical.
Many stated their worries about how this will affect first responders, snow plows, their cars, and side streets. Adding that law enforcement on Glenway Avenue would be a better solution.
Klayer continued in his email to say the new speed bumps are a good start, but not the end.
“Throughout this past year, the West Price Hill Community Council has advocated to the city and county governments to alleviate traffic issues in the neighborhood. The new speed bumps will help, but there are more pieces of the puzzle that need to be addressed. We will continue to work to ensure the safety and accessibility of all residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Klayer.
McVay said the speed bumps will not affect first responders or snow plows.
