Missoula City Council considers 15 mph school speed zone on Phillips Street

Missoula City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by proposing a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit in school zones. During the meeting on August 25, 2025, council members discussed the implications of this speed limit, particularly on Phillips Street between Burton Street and Scott Street. The motion to establish this speed zone aims to improve safety for children and pedestrians in the area.

City officials clarified that while a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit is legally permissible, it is typically reserved for streets that are narrow or have limited visibility, making it difficult for drivers to react in time. Currently, Missoula does not have any streets posted at this low speed, but the council is considering it as a viable option for school zones. The discussion highlighted that the effectiveness of speed limits often depends on the surrounding environment and infrastructure rather than just the posted signs.

Council members also compared Missoula's approach to that of Bozeman, which has a year-round 15-mile-per-hour speed limit in school zones. However, city officials noted that while Bozeman's ordinance exists, it may not fully comply with federal regulations that typically require school zone speed limits to be enforced only during specific times when children are present.

The council's deliberations included considerations of public safety, legal compliance, and the practical implications of enforcing such a speed limit. The proposed resolution reflects a commitment to prioritizing the safety of students and residents in Missoula, with further discussions expected to refine the implementation details.

As the council moves forward with this proposal, the community can anticipate a more structured approach to speed limits in school zones, aimed at fostering safer environments for children and pedestrians alike.