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Council considers lowering Drexel Avenue speed limit to 25 mph after recent road changes
Summary
Council held first reading of Ordinance 17-25 to set the speed limit on Drexel Avenue between Main Street and Broad Street at 25 mph following a road diet and streetscape changes; staff said ODOT would accept 30 mph based on the posted speed study but council may legislate 25 mph.
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 17-25 to set a 25 miles-per-hour speed limit on Drexel Avenue between Main Street and Broad Street.
Sponsor Councilmember Markham described the street as previously posted at 35 mph and said roadway changes — islands and lane reconfiguration implemented in recent years — have reduced speeds. He cited survey data showing average speeds in the range of 28 to 30 mph and said the community has long sought measures to slow traffic on Drexel.
Staff said the submitted speed studies were reviewed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), which indicated it would allow a reduction to 30 mph based on the studies. City staff and the city solicitor explained that because the Drexel segment that lies within Bexley is below a statutory cutoff distance for state-route-only control, council has authority to pass an ordinance setting a local 25 mph limit if it chooses.
Councilmembers expressed support for the change and for the road improvements that accompany it. Several members noted Drexel had been a frequent subject of resident complaints and that making the lower limit permanent would align the posted speed with the physical redesign and neighborhood expectations.
The matter was at first reading; no adoption vote was recorded. Staff said signage and public-notice steps would follow any future council action.
