A traffic speed radar on Rexford Street in the City of Norwich Museum District. The City of Norwich Common Council is working with the Traffic Commission to explore their options for additional radars to be installed in the city over the next two years. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The City of Norwich Common Council has been looking into the city's options for speed radar signs to supplement the radar on Rexford Street and the city's mobile radar trailer.

City of Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver said he has been speaking with the city’s traffic commission to determine which streets are most in need. He said the commission identified the entry into Norwich on South Broad Street and Plymouth Street on Route 23 as the biggest concerns.

The radars look similar to road signs, but with digital screens that display the speed of oncoming traffic. The devices are meant to make motorists more aware of their driving speed and curb speeding.

"It’ll show your speed as you’re getting closer. So if you’re going above the speed limit, it starts to blink at you," Doliver explained.

The goal is to install two fixed speed radars over the next two years using Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funds.

"They would be permanent there, and we’re looking to use our CHIPS money from the state to do that. We verified that we were able to do that, and that way it wouldn’t be any local tax dollars," said Doliver. "We’re going to try to be a little conservative. I would only ask to do one speed radar one year, and then the next one the following year."