Cambridge City merchants worry about vehicles speeding and running downtown stoplights, especially when U.S. 40 is filled with wide-load vehicles during Interstate 70 construction.
Troy Lewis shared concerns during town council’s May 11 meeting and asked for additional measures. He represented Western Wayne Alliance, which is the newly combined Cambridge City Main Street and Cambridge City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lewis said he walks frequently on U.S. 40 and sees vehicles going more than 30 miles per hour, especially going downhill as they enter from the west. Councilor Gary Cole bikes on U.S. 40 and agreed with Lewis’ concerns.
Lewis asked if additional police presence, cameras or lights would help. He wants to avoid a serious injury or death that would be “a horrible impact” while construction diverts traffic onto National Road for a couple more years during the interstate expansion projects.
Cambridge City Police Department’s Seth Biava and Dillon Pitcher have both written citations for vehicles running stoplights. Biava often parks on the town’s western edge to monitor downhill traffic and deter speeding while completing paperwork. Pitcher said he and other officers will continue monitoring traffic as well.
Oversized-load vehicles accompanied by police escorts may proceed through red lights at intersections when directed by law enforcement controlling traffic.
Both ends of town have digital speed limit alert signs but they don’t take photos or provide other enforceable information to police. Eastbound speeding seems worse as drivers new to town don’t realize they’ll be quickly going downhill.
Councilor Jim King asked if giant digital signs could be purchased or borrowed to alert motorists to slower speeds, especially during upcoming events along U.S. 40.
The next major event along U.S. 40 will be the Historic National Road Yard Sale from May 27-31.
Biava said police have extra summer hours allocated for traffic enforcement.
Council agreed to monitor the situation and consider additional action as needed.
In other business
- Western Wayne Alliance received permission to start Saturday farmers markets two weeks earlier (June 6). Vendors are still being accepted to sell their own produce or handmade items.
- Cambridge City Neighborhood Crime Watch encouraged residents to observe National Police Week.
- Joe Webb, public works superintendent, gave an update on several blighted properties. Despite just getting a new roof, a home at 314 W. Main will be demolished because the center beam dropped eight inches. Another home will be built on the lot. Owners also plan to demolish and rebuild 229 Jones St. and to repair 403 Walnut St. within 60 days or unsafe building proceedings will start.
Council accepted $100 donations from Philip and Georgette Langholtz for stray cat spaying/neutering and for Riverside Cemetery, plus fire department donations: Wayne County Foundation, $500; American Legion Post 169, $250; Mike and Vicki Gumm, $100; H&R Block/Cindy Pruitt, $50; McGowan Insurance Group, $25.
Pilgrimage Wine can sell beverages during June 13, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 concerts at the new Creitz Park Pavilion.
Council approved closing the alley in East Main’s first block from noon-7 p.m. May 30 for a graduation/Eagle Scout party.
The intersection of Lincoln Drive and Delaware Street will be paved for $9,600 after a Christmas Day water leak.
A version of this article appeared in the May 20 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.