Montgomery Township's Zig-Zag Roads: A Traffic Calming Measure or a Comedy of Errors?

     MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A new traffic-calming experiment on Grays Lane has residents and drivers scratching their heads—and in some cases, stifling laughter. The township recently unveiled a wavy line road design intended to reduce speeding, but the unconventional approach has sparked widespread ridicule and disbelief.

     The zig-zag lines, which stretch across two blocks of Grays Lane, were painted last Friday in response to years of complaints about speeding on the residential street. Township officials collaborated with traffic engineers to implement the design, which they claim will force drivers to slow down by disrupting the visual flow of the road. However, the reaction from locals has been anything but calm.

     When the lines first appeared, many residents assumed it was a prank. “I literally came home and somebody said it was there. I had to go drive down and say, ‘Why?’” said Kevin Donovan of Lansdale. Social media lit up with comments mocking the design, with one user quipping, “This might be one of the most foolish ideas,” while another asked, “Have they ever considered installing speed bumps?”

     Adding to the absurdity, some drivers are reportedly ignoring the zig-zag pattern altogether, opting instead to drive straight through as if the lines didn’t exist. “I mean right now, everyone is just driving through the middle of it,” observed resident Lauren Chesterton.

     Beyond questions of functionality, many residents are simply baffled by the appearance of the new road. “I think it’s an eyesore. I think it’s ridiculous,” said William King. Others described it as “awkward” and “weird,” with one neighbor likening it to an obstacle course. Even children have gotten in on the fun, reportedly enjoying rides down what some are calling Montgomery Township’s own “Indy Speedway”.

     Critics argue that simpler solutions—like speed bumps—would have been more effective and less controversial. However, township officials ruled out speed bumps due to concerns over the road’s grade. Radar signs and police patrols had also been tried in the past but failed to curb speeding consistently.

     Annette Long, Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors, defended the zig-zag design as part of a broader plan that will eventually include chicanes and delineators. “Yes, it looks like somebody just drawing lines went off the road and did their own thing, but it’s not what is happening,” she explained.

     While some residents appreciate that action is being taken to address speeding concerns, most remain skeptical about whether this quirky solution will work. Joe Albanese of Montgomeryville expressed cautious optimism: “It makes sense to me because folks are always going way too fast down Grays Lane”. Others are less convinced. “I’ve yet to hear one person happy about this,” said Chesterton.

     Township officials insist this is just phase one of a larger traffic-calming initiative. Reflective cones and signage are being added to help drivers adjust to the new pattern, and additional measures like chicanes will follow.

     For now, though, Grays Lane has become an unintended tourist attraction. Drivers curious about the bizarre design are flocking to see it for themselves—ironically increasing traffic on a road meant to be calmed.

     Whether this experiment will ultimately succeed or become a cautionary tale in urban planning remains to be seen. In the meantime, Montgomery Township residents can at least take solace in knowing their zig-zag road has given them something to talk (and laugh) about