Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Senators were informed last Friday that the so‑called “speed bumps,” that are drawing widespread complaints from motorists and lawmakers, are not speed bumps at all, but raised crosswalks — a federally funded safety feature installed as part of the Islandwide Safety Project.

The clarification came during a Senate Public Works Committee hearing, where Deputy Director of Public Works Falava‘i Ta‘ase explained that the raised crosswalks recently constructed in front of Manumalo Academy, SPICC, and Matafao Elementary School were approved and funded by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Ta‘ase told senators that FHWA’s push for raised crosswalks is based on national research. A 2016 nationwide study documented a significant rise in pedestrian‑related traffic accidents occurring at traditional painted crosswalks. A follow‑up study in 2023 found a 45% reduction in crosswalk‑related accidents in areas where raised crosswalks were installed.

He said FHWA formally advised Public Works in 2023 to begin evaluating raised crosswalks for American Samoa. The department initially held back, conducting its own assessment of local traffic patterns and crash data. But with traffic accidents increasing last year and again this year, Public Works determined it was time to begin installing raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds in high‑risk zones.

Ta‘ase explained that the federal criteria for raised crosswalk placement include a speed limit that must be under 30 mph, the traffic volume must be at least 9,000 vehicles, and the roadway must have no more than three lanes.

He said the locations selected so far meet these requirements, particularly school zones where pedestrian traffic is heavy, and vehicle speeds are often higher than posted limits.

Two additional raised crosswalks are scheduled for installation in front of Samoana High School and Marist Saint Francis School in Lepua.

Ta‘ase noted that construction had begun on a raised crosswalk in front of Laufou, but the department halted the project after extended traffic delays created significant congestion. Public Works has decided not to proceed with that location.

Ta‘ase told senators the project was publicly bid, and Paramount Construction was awarded the contract. He estimated the cost of each raised crosswalk at approximately $11,000.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean told the Public Works officials that in all his travels across the U.S. mainland, he has never seen road bumps like the ones recently installed. He questioned whether such structures were appropriate for primary roads and asked directly whether the raised crosswalks could be removed.

Deputy Director Ta‘ase confirmed that removal was possible. Tuaolo then advised that they be taken out to put an end to the steady stream of complaints from motorists and community members.

“It’s been nearly 50 years since American Samoa voted for their own governor,” he said. “The question that comes to mind is why now? Why wasn’t this done in all these years? This is very suspicious.”

Senator Magalei Logovii pressed Public Works officials on whether the Department of Public Safety (DPS) had been consulted before the raised crosswalks were installed. He noted that DPS typically provides assessments for any road project, including whether a proposed design might create a traffic hazard or pose risks to pedestrians and motorists.

Magalei repeatedly asked Ta‘ase whether the FHWA had formally approved the raised crosswalks. He requested written documentation from the federal agency confirming its authorization.

Senator Muagututi‘a Tauoa raised additional concerns, warning that the newly installed raised crosswalks could slow or obstruct emergency response vehicles, including EMS ambulances, police units, and the Fire Division. He said any roadway feature that delays emergency response times poses a serious public‑safety risk.

Muagututi‘a also questioned the cost of the installations, noting that at $11,000 per raised crosswalk, the price is “a lot of money” for a project that has already generated significant public frustration. He recommended leaving the three already constructed in place, but urged Public Works not to install any more until the Senate receives clearer justification and documentation from federal authorities.

He also recommended painting the raised crosswalks at Fatu‑ma‑Futi and Matafao to ensure drivers can clearly see them from a distance and recognize when they are approaching a pedestrian zone. 

Muagututi‘a added that proper striping and visibility markings — similar to the treatment already applied to the raised crosswalk in front of Manumalo Academy — are essential for driver awareness and pedestrian safety. He said clear paint markings would help motorists recognize the crosswalks earlier and reduce confusion, especially given the complaints the installations have already generated.

Senator Ma‘o Faauma Gogo, however, sided with Senate President Tuaolo’s recommendation to remove the three raised crosswalks, arguing that traditional street‑sign warnings are sufficient to alert drivers to slow down near schools. He said clear signage has long been effective in school zones and questioned the need for additional roadway structures that have already caused confusion and frustration among motorists.

Ma’o also noted that teachers and students routinely assist with traffic control in front of their schools during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up. He said this long‑standing practice has helped maintain safety without the need for raised crosswalks, and that the community’s involvement demonstrates that simpler, less disruptive measures can work.

Senator Leatualevao Asifoa, who requested the hearing with Public Works, said that based on the photos presented to lawmakers, there appeared to be very little difference between the raised crosswalks and traditional speed bumps. He questioned whether the installations met the design standards described by Public Works.

Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono echoed those concerns, pointing out that the FHWA design photos showed raised crosswalks with a flat pedestrian surface, whereas the three already constructed in the Territory did not match that profile. He said the discrepancy raised questions about whether the installations were built to federal specifications.

Ta‘ase responded that additional work is planned to bring the crosswalks into compliance. He said the surfaces will be flattened to meet FHWA design requirements and will also be painted to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.

Editor’s Note: Samoa News notes that raised crosswalks are common in other countries, especially in school zones. They are clearly marked, sometimes with special lights (large yellow round bulbs) on each side of the walkway, with the walkway itself characteristically raised and flat, with the traditional stripes defining its width and length. 

The ‘raised’ feature of the crosswalk is to make certain that a vehicle will slow down before proceeding.

Signage include those designating the speed limit as well as warning of approaching crosswalk, and are usually posted on both sides of the road as the raised crosswalk is approached.

There is also sometimes a small planted flower plot area on each side, enhancing the look of the raised crosswalk as a community beautification project.