Speeding on Your Tacoma Street? Here’s How to Request a Fix

If speeding drivers or cut-through traffic have turned your residential street into an unofficial shortcut, Tacoma has a formal process for requesting changes. The city’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program evaluates locations where residents believe slower, safer traffic conditions are needed.

Potential improvements can include speed humps, traffic circles, curb extensions, raised crosswalks and other street-design changes. The program is intended primarily for non-arterial residential streets; larger arterial roads require more extensive planning, engineering and funding through other city programs.

Residents can submit a request through Tacoma FIRST 311 or call 311. Online, select City of Tacoma – Public Works – Transportation – Neighborhood Traffic Calming, identify the location and describe the problem. A photo is optional, and separate locations should be submitted as separate requests.

The city does not simply approve projects in the order requests arrive. Every residential street receives a score based on four categories: equity, collision history, nearby community features and existing infrastructure. Schools, parks, libraries, transit stops and bikeways can all increase a street’s priority, as can missing sidewalks or a roadway’s width.

Even a relatively high score does not guarantee construction. Engineers still evaluate whether traffic calming is appropriate, what treatment would work best and whether funding is available. Residents can learn more about the scoring system, current projects and the review process on the city’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program page..