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Loomis approves traffic engineering study; several local limits lowered
Summary
The Loomis Town Council approved updated engineering and traffic surveys that keep most posted speeds unchanged but lower limits on several stretches, including sections of Taylor, Humphrey and Horseshoe Bar roads.
The Loomis Town Council approved an updated set of engineering and traffic surveys and speed limit recommendations recommended by the townconsultant, Wood Rogers. The study preserves most existing limits but recommends lowering speeds on four segments after measured speed data and safety considerations.
Mario Tambellini of Wood Rogers explained the technical basis: the California Vehicle Code requires speed limits to be set following engineering and traffic surveys, and enforcement typically depends on up-to-date studies. Tambellini described the standard practice of using the 85th percentile (measured speed at or below which 85% of drivers travel) as a starting point and then applying 5 or 10 mph reductions where justified by land use or safety concerns.
"We surveyed 32 roadways throughout the town of Loomis," Tambellini told the council, and recommended that 28 segments remain unchanged while four be reduced. The proposed reductions include: Taylor Road segments (Sierra College to Oak and the portion near Horseshoe Bar to Rachel Lane) from 40 mph to 30 mph; Humphrey Road between King Road and Mimosa Court from 35 mph to 30 mph; and Horseshoe Bar Road (southeast of the I-80 interchange to the Horseshoe Bar intersection) from 35 mph to 30 mph.
Public safety and school-related sections were discussed during the presentation. The downtown business activity district (a designated prima facie 25 mph zone) will remain a lower-speed area under the townproposal; other nearby segments are set to change in accordance with measured speeds and applicable law. The sheriffoffice representative noted enforcement limitations for school zones: "I can only enforce school zone speeds when children are present," the deputy said, clarifying how school-zone enforcement is applied.
Council members voted to approve the survey and the recommended speed adjustments. Roll call recorded unanimous approval by the council.
What this means: New signage will be posted to reflect the revised limits; those changes are effective when signs are installed. The survey must be refreshed at a minimum every five years under the California Vehicle Code; with proper enforcement training it may be extended up to seven years, and in some circumstances extended further by an engineer's determination.
Next steps: Town staff will schedule sign replacement where reductions were approved, coordinate timing with the sheriff's office and publish the updated speed map on the town website. The council asked staff to keep the public informed of the timeline for sign installation and enforcement.
