Royal Oak may see a bump in the speed limits on Normandy Road between Coolidge Highway and Crooks Road as well as Gardenia Avenue between Campbell Road and Stephenson Highway.

During Monday’s meeting, the Royal Oak City Commission discussed four resolutions proposed by the Traffic Committee established during their Jan. 28 session. Though most discussion centered around increasing speed from 25 to 30 MPH on Normandy Road and Gardenia Avenue, recommendations to place a left turn signal at Coolidge Highway and Meijer Drive and updates to the Traffic Committee’s bylaws were also on the agenda.

Some residents were against increasing speeds on Normandy Road citing its proximity to parks and neighborhoods.

Resident Patrick McGee spoke against raising the speed limit in lieu of traffic safety.

“I wish that you guys would look at different alternatives to raising the speed. I would encourage you guys to look at more traffic calming as well as maybe other deterrents you guys can implement on Normandy as it is a park and there are many pedestrians in that area,” he said.

Bill Harrison, a resident of Royal Oak since 1941, voiced concern over the already-established traffic calming measures, questioning the increase in the speed limit along Normandy.

“You just installed the traffic calming. Why in the world would you install traffic calming and then increase the speed limit? It’s counterproductive,” he said.

Speed data collected prior to the 2023 implantation of traffic calming measures on Normandy Road was compared to data collected after measures were put into place showing drivers continued to drive beyond the 25 MPH speed limit.

“In general, the majority of drivers are going to continue driving the speeds that they’re comfortable driving regardless of what we sign the road to be,” said Holly Donoghue, the city’s engineer.

The City Commission also expressed hesitancy around increasing the speed limit on Normandy Road.

“I just don’t have an inclination or desire to raise the speed limit on any of our streets because I do think it encourages people to drive faster and I think it puts people at risk and that is a fundamental value,” said Mayor Michael Fournier.

Commissioner Brandon Kolo introduced a motion to maintain the speed limit on Normandy Road at 25 MPH, plant trees along the road, and paint parking stripping to make the roads seem more narrow, thus potentially decreasing driver’s speed. The motion passed 6-1 in favor of implementing traffic calming measures along the stretch of Normandy Road.

The Royal Oak City Commission also heard recommendations to increase the speed limit along Gardenia Avenue. The street, which will be resurfaced in 2026, already sees a speed limit of approximately 33 MPH and a traffic volume of 3,500 vehicles daily. Pedestrian crossing islands were also discussed as a means of traffic calming. Currently, one is included in the draft master plan. However, the Traffic Committee proposed adding a second as a means to reduce driver’s speed.

Commissioner Melanie Macey moved for the approval of increased speeds along Gardenia Avenue. Kolo moved to amend the standing motion to include pedestrian crossings, but maintain the current speed limit, which was passed.

“Fundamentally, I think keeping the speed limit at 25 is the safest thing to do,” said Mayor Fournier.

The City Commission also voted unanimously to upgrade traffic signage at Coolidge Highway and Meijer Drive to include a left turn signal as well as upgrading the Traffic Committee’s bylaws to include annual elections. The “prepare to stop when flashing” signage for eastbound traffic near Delemere Boulevard will also move, bringing the sign closer to the traffic signal at the viaduct. The committee will also add a new warning sign to alert drivers of the approaching traffic signals.