HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to MDT for Speed Study on South 19th Avenue.pdf Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Services
Chuck Winn, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: South 19th Avenue Speed Study Request
MEETING DATE: February 8, 2010
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent
RECOMMENDATION: Direct the City Manager to draft a letter to the Montana Department
of Transportation (MDT) to request that a speed study be conducted on South 19th Avenue south
of College Street when the construction on South 19th Avenue is completed.
BACKGROUND: During the January 27, 2010 Transportation Coordinating Committee
(TCC) meeting, the subject of the speed limit on South 19th Avenue between College Street and
Kagy Boulevard was discussed. It was noted by several TCC members that while the speed limit
in this section is posted at 45 mph, it appears that very few drivers reach that speed. Citizen
complaints were previously received that vehicles entering South 19th Avenue from Garfield
Street were driving below the speed limit, and they felt this was because drivers did not know the
speed limit on South 19th Avenue was 45 mph because they were coming off of a 35 mph street.
City Staff added an additional 45 mph sign just south of the Garfield/South 19th intersection.
Because 19th Avenue is designated as an Urban Route, the speed limit can only be changed by
the Montana Transportation Commission, after a speed study is done. The MDT District
Administrator stated that they would do a speed study after the construction was completed, if
the City requested that one be conducted. Mayor Krauss, who is a member of the TCC, asked
staff to add this item to a Commission agenda for the Commission’s consideration.
FISCAL EFFECTS: None. There would be no cost to the City for the speed study. If the
study determines that the speed limit should change, and the Montana Transportation
Commission approves the change, MDT would change the speed limit signs.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
Report compiled on January 29, 2010
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