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Speed‑study results: ODOT recommends 45 mph for Echo Junction corridor; city weighing matching township request
Summary
Following resident complaints, traffic counts and ODOT analysis recommended a 45 mph limit for Echo Junction Road; staff told the committee that the township has requested the change and the city’s safety committee voted to forward legislation recommending the city post 45 mph to make the corridor consistent.
City staff briefed the committee on a speed‑limit review for Echo Junction Road after a resident complaint that motorists were traveling 50–55 mph. Engineering data gathered over multiple studies produced different calculated speeds over the years; staff said that ODOT's 2024 analysis recommended a 45 mph limit for the corridor.
The matter is significant because the roadway currently carries inconsistent posted limits: staff said the township portion is posted at 55 mph while the city portion is posted at 35 mph under the city's revised code, creating a confusing situation for motorists and law enforcement.
A staff member summarized the history: a 2014 township study calculated an appropriate limit near 53 mph but the posting remained at 55; a 2015 update calculated 49 mph; and ODOT’s 2024 review recommended 45 mph. The speaker said the township recently passed legislation asking ODOT to set the township stretch to 45 mph and that the city’s safety committee voted 3‑0 to forward legislation recommending the city’s section also be set to 45 mph so the corridor is consistent.
Staff explained how ODOT determines appropriate limits: they collect spot speeds, examine lane and shoulder widths, distance to roadside obstacles (poles), and test‑drive the corridor; the Federal Highway Administration software then generates a recommended limit. Staff noted ODOT also reviews crash history in its work, though the presenter said he did not have exact crash counts at the meeting.
Committee members raised operational concerns such as close utility poles and the potential for future widening or development that could change roadway geometry; staff said these factors are considered in the study. No formal change to city signage was ordered at this meeting; staff said they will pursue legislation to request the city post 45 mph on its portion to match the township and the ODOT recommendation and will proceed through the normal legislative process.
