Study Results: Smoketown Road Does Not Qualify for Additional Traffic Calming

In Spring 2020, our office heard from a few people living along Smoketown Road, who felt that speeding there had increased. In response, we contacted the Prince William County Department of Transportation (PWC DOT), which conducted a speed study from January 4-8 2021, near 13004 Smoketown Road. Speed studies are an initial step in determining whether an area will qualify for traffic calming measures. (Learn more about this process.) Based on findings, PWCDOT determined that Smoketown Road does not qualify for additional traffic calming at this time.

Smoketown Road is a local residential road with a posted speed limit of 25 mph, and a 2019 VDOT average daily traffic count of 13, 000. At the study location, the road is 0. 15 miles long and is approximately 22 feet wide.

The pictured map shows the approximate location where the study was conducted. The counters recorded an average daily traffic count of 5382vehicles per day with average speeds of 28.5 MPH (85th percentile = 32.8 MPH) in the southbound lane and 29.7 MPH (85th percentile = 33.5 MPH) in the northbound lane. Based on this information, Smoketown Road is not eligible for traffic calming measures at this time as it does not meet the required minimum average speed of 5 MPH or more over the posted speed limit in at least one direction. PWCDOT have forwarded the study results to the Prince William County Police Department for enforcement purposes.

The following criteria shall be met for consideration of traffic calming measures:

25 MPH posted speed limit.
Two lane roadways.
Do not serve as primary access to any significant commercial or industrial sites.
Have a documented speeding problem (Recorded average speed of 5 MPH or greater than the posted speed limit in at least one direction).
Average daily traffic of 600 – 4000 vehicles per day.
Identified community support for the traffic calming plan.
No more than four (4) traffic calming devices on emergency response routes
Eligible streets:
- Local residential streets with posted speed limits of 35 MPH can be considered for traffic calming if they meet the traffic calming criteria. A local residential street provides direct access to abutting residences (driveways) and provides mobility within the neighborhood.
- Traffic on these streets is expected to be entering or exiting residences. Certain residential collector streets, although classified as collector roads may have the characteristics of local residential streets. These streets may be considered for traffic calming measures if they meet the established criteria.

Concerns about neighborhood speeding can be sent directly to PWCDOT at transportation@pwcgov.org org 703-792-6825. We are also happy to help residents with this process here at the Occoquan District Office. Click here for our online help form.