PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider the first reading of an ordinance to create Section 126-154 to reduce the speed limit within the White Wing subdivision.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff received a request to lower the speed limit within the White Wing subdivision from the existing posted 30 mph to 25 mph. White Wing is a subdivision located off the south side of Klein Road between S Walnut Avenue and FM 725.
Speed limits on Texas roads, including city streets, are set by statute in Section 545.352 of the Texas Transportation Code. The current speed limit on most city residential streets is 30 mph. The statute includes the following prima facie speed limits:
• Street in Urban District - 30 mph
• Alley in Urban District - 15 mph
Speed limits are set to inform motorists of appropriate driving speeds under favorable conditions. Regardless of the posted speed limit some drivers will operate at speeds where they feel comfortable, given the design of the road and development/activity along the roadside. The overall goal of setting the speed limit is almost always to increase safety within the context of retaining reasonable mobility for motorists.
Traffic data collection, review of crash history, and a site investigation were conducted for Benelli Drive within the White Wing subdivision in April 2023. The results of the traffic data collection are shown in the attached traffic study summary. There were no reported crashes within the entire subdivision for 2020 through October 2023.
The site investigation found the roadside environment includes single-family residences along each local road with on-street parking available. There is some pedestrian activity within the subdivision, with sidewalks located on both sides of each street. A community playground was recently constructed along Benelli Drive near the intersection with Ruger Path.
Based on the site investigation and collected speed data, it is recommended that the regulatory speed limit within the White Wing subdivision be maintained at 30 mph at this time. It is important to note that national and local research and data have shown that reducing the posted speed limit has little to no effect in reducing operating speeds.
The only instance in which a city may lower a speed limit without a traffic study, to as low as 25 miles per hour, is if the road is in an urban district, is less than four lanes, and is not a state highway.
ISSUE:
The White Wing HOA has contacted the city with a request to reduce the speed limit in the White Wings Subdivision due to speeding and safety concerns.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY 2024 approved Streets and Drainage Budget.Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously recommended maintaining the existing 30 mph speed limit throughout the White Wing subdivision and the installation of crosswalks on Benelli Drive at Ruger Path and Citori Path, playground warning signs, and edge line pavement markings on Benelli Drive from Klein Road to Citori Path.
Staff
Staff recommends maintaining the existing 30 mph speed limit throughout the White Wing subdivision and the installation of playground warning signs and a cross walk on Benelli Drive at Citori Path.