Missoula Officials Propose 20 MPH Speed Limit Near Phillips Street School Zone

The Missoula City Council meeting held on August 25, 2025, featured a detailed discussion regarding speed limits in school zones, particularly focusing on Phillips Street. The conversation began with concerns about traffic behavior near the new roundabout, where some drivers were observed needing to slow down significantly. This prompted questions about the appropriateness of the proposed speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

A council member expressed support for the work of public works and engineering teams but sought clarification on how the 20 miles per hour limit was determined. The discussion highlighted the use of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) web tool, "The US Limits 2," which suggested a higher speed limit of 25 miles per hour for Phillips Street. However, it was noted that this tool does not account for school zones, leading to questions about the factors influencing the final recommendation.

The engineering representative explained that while the tool recommended a higher limit, the decision to propose a 20 miles per hour speed limit was based on consistency with existing practices in Missoula and the belief that a lower limit would not effectively change driver behavior without additional traffic calming measures. The representative emphasized that the environment plays a crucial role in how drivers operate their vehicles, and the proposed limit was seen as a practical balance.

Further inquiries clarified that the 20 miles per hour limit aligns with other school zones in Missoula, such as Paxton Street, which also has a posted limit of 20 miles per hour. The discussion underscored the ongoing development of a comprehensive school zone policy, which would guide future speed limit decisions across the city.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the complexities involved in setting speed limits in school zones, balancing safety concerns with practical enforcement considerations. The council's discussions will likely inform future policies aimed at enhancing traffic safety in Missoula.