The city of Westbrook is once again considering putting traffic -calming measures on Forest Street to slow through-traffic between Westbrook Arterial and Main Street.

Neighbors who may be affected by the change can voice their opinions at a public hearing being held by Mayor Bruce Chuluda tonight, Thursday, Jan. 4, at 7, at the Public Safety Building at 570 Main St.

City Engineer Eric Dudley said the purpose of the meeting is to gather city staff, councilors and neighbors to discuss what might be needed to slow traffic on the street, and what measures might achieve that.

“We want to make sure people who are interested in it can have a chance to voice their opinions,” said Dudley.

The city considered putting in traffic-calming measures such as stop signs and raised speed tables several years ago, going as far as to hold a public hearing on the subject, according to Dudley.

However, following the public hearing, there was no further action to bring traffic calming to Forest Street.

Continued complaints by residents to the city administration about the speed of vehicles using Forest Street as a commuter street from the arterial to Main Street have brought the subject to the fore again. Coinciding with that is a proposed plan to repave the road next July.

Forest Street is considered a major roadway in the city, and any changes to the road must be approved by the state.

According to Chuluda, the city has begun discussions with the Maine Department of Transportation to determine whether traffic measures are appropriate on Forest Street.

The city conducted a traffic survey during September and October, and found that speed along the road averages between 30 and 35 mph. Currently, speed along the road is posted at 25 mph.

The state will be reviewing the city’s traffic survey and making the final determination on whether traffic-calming measures are necessary.

At the same time, Chuluda is looking to provide information to affected residents and to get their input while continuing discussions with the state.