Story Created:
Oct 6, 2008
Story Updated:
Oct 6, 2008
The City of Springfield Traffic Engineering Division is recommending an increase in the speed limit on several city street segments following traffic studies that support the higher limits to address motorists’ driving patterns in these areas. The Traffic Advisory Board unanimously endorsed this proposal.
This traffic study is in conjunction with the ongoing project to lower the speed limits on many residential streets to 25 mph. The goal is to discourage motorists from cutting through neighborhoods by improving traffic flow with appropriate speed limits on the arterial and collector streets intended for higher traffic volumes.
The traffic study reviewed roadway segments to determine areas where a majority of motorists were traveling at or above the posted speed limit and a significant number of motorists were driving more than 5 mph over the posted speed limit. On arterial streets, it is very common for motorists to base their driving habits on prevailing conditions such as the number of lanes and access control, regardless of the posted speed limit. Therefore, the goal is to set the speed limit at a level to gain the most voluntary compliance from motorists and still be considered safe for the prevailing conditions of the particular road segment.
These new speed limits would take effect on or soon after Oct. 20, 2008. The segments recommended for change are as follows:
From 30 mph to 35 mph:
- o Blaine Street – Glenstone Avenue to Packer Road
- o Campbell Avenue – Sunshine to Grand streets
- o Cherry Street – Oak Grove to Eastgate avenues
- o Division Street – Commercial Street to Glenstone Avenue
- o Fremont Avenue – Battlefield Road to Sunshine Street
- o Grand Street – Scenic Avenue to West Bypass
From 35 mph to 40 mph:
- o Cherry Street – Eastgate Avenue to East City Limit
- o Grand Street – Kansas Expressway to Grant Avenue
- o Sunset Street – Kansas Expressway to Campbell Avenue
- o Walnut Lawn – Kansas to Campbell avenues
The new speed limits will be compatible with adjacent street segments on each of the streets. With speed limits more closely corresponding to prevailing speeds, a reasonable level of enforcement can be applied to keep the speed of most vehicles at or within 5 mph of the posted speed limits.
Citizens with comments about the proposed changes can call the Traffic Engineering Division at 864-1980 or send e-mail to: city@springfieldmo.gov. Any input received will be considered prior to making a final decision on speed-limit changes. Each proposed street segment will be studied again six months after the change of speed limit to verify that the speed of motorists has not significantly changed.
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Tuesday, Oct 7 at 6:46 AM shaamex wrote ...
Right off I can see a problem with Division street. Its a mix of business and people. There's a community center and a hospital. People in wheelchairs, moms with baby strollers. A couple more streets that used to have a light and voila you have a perfect storm for accidents
Monday, Oct 6 at 10:17 PM Analise wrote ...
The solution to people not obeying speed limits is to have stricter enforcement - not to give in to their reckless actions. Hold people accountable; start writing those tickets, bring in more revenue as well!
Monday, Oct 6 at 10:17 PM old and wise wrote ...
there are people who are going to be doing over the speed limit or under it no matter what modot does. there are people that drive way under and over on the highway, so it is all gonna depend on the driver and the area where the speed limit is at. plus you also need to take into consideration whether or not if they are in hurry to get somewhere.
Monday, Oct 6 at 3:39 PM Young and Stupid wrote ...
More of this needs to happen. I still believe people who drive under the speed limit, especially those cruising at 30 mph in a 40 mph or 45 mph zone cause just as much trouble as those going a few over. Why? Because the people going slow are creating problems for more than just themselves. They may be driving "safe", but there are dozens of cars behind them that feel they can safely drive at the regulated speed limit and want to do so. These people then try to pass, and wahlah... problems.
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