Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Carly Farmer, Graduate Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - cfarmer@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider a recommendation to City Council to reduce the speed limit on River Acres Drive.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 4
Engineering staff has received a request to lower the speed limit on River Acres Drive from the existing posted 30 mph due to concerns with speeding and safety pertaining to children playing outside. River Acres Drive is located between SL 337 at Fair Lane, northeast of downtown New Braunfels.
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 and a review of crash history were conducted on River Acres Drive on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The results of the traffic data collection are shown in the attached traffic study summary. There were no reported crashes on River Acres Drive for 2018 through February 2021.
The roadside environment includes single-family residences with on-street parking available and commercial development near the intersection with Loop 337. There are existing rumble strips and no sidewalks along River Acres Drive. The pedestrian activity on River Acres Drive is typical of a residential street.
Based on the site investigation and collected speed data, it is recommended that the regulatory speed limit on River Acres Drive 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.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Envision New Braunfels Strategy 7: Connect All: Action 7.22: Adopt a Complete Streets policy to ensure east of access for all people and all transportation modes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY20-21 approved street and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends maintaining the existing 30 mph speed limit on River Acres Drive at this time.