Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Calming Speed Limits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Buckley council debates lowering downtown speed limits, traffic-calming and enforcement options
Summary
Council discussed lowering posted speeds on Main, Spruce and other arterials, costs and requirements for engineering studies under state law, and enforcement options including increased police enforcement and possible photo enforcement; staff will seek cost estimates and pursue grant opportunities for traffic-calming projects.
Councilmembers discussed proposals to lower speed limits on downtown arterials and to pursue traffic-calming measures after residents and the Perkins Prairie HOA raised safety concerns.
The mayor proposed reducing speeds on Main Street and nearby connectors, suggesting Spruce could be limited to 10 mph in constricted areas until a planned widening is complete. "My proposal is ... Spruce would be 10 miles an hour because we have that constricted," the mayor said, adding a preference for lower speeds rather than additional stop signs which could gridlock downtown.
Staff cautioned that lowering speed limits on classified minor arterials requires an engineering study under state law and noted that recent legislation reduced but did not eliminate study requirements. City staff said the study could be funded via a small budget request or by applying for grant programs and that a transportation plan update will be discussed in committee next month.
Councilmembers discussed enforcement strategies. Some urged stepped-up police enforcement, while others asked staff to obtain cost estimates for physical calming measures (raised crosswalks, speed humps) and for radar speed-display signs (the city cited an approximate price of $13,000 for a pair). The council also asked staff to research photo-enforcement and mobile units; staff noted photo enforcement can generate revenue but raises local-constituent concerns and technical details about citations and municipal-court processing.
Short-term steps: staff will gather cost estimates for traffic-calming devices and engineering studies, explore grant funding (Safe Streets and STIP programs), and consider strengthened enforcement and public outreach this summer. Council did not adopt an ordinance at the study session.
