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Public Works Committee advances seven speed‑limit reductions to full council
Summary
The committee voted to forward seven proposals to lower speed limits on several streets and in multiple subdivisions, citing project‑related engineering changes for some corridors and neighborhood consistency for others; public comment supported reductions on Tenth Street.
The Public Works Committee on March 13 voted to send seven speed‑limit proposals to the full Indianapolis City‑County Council with a do‑pass recommendation.
Nathan Sheets of the Department of Public Works summarized the seven items (proposals 91‑20‑25 through 97‑20‑25). The items would: reduce Madison Avenue to 35 mph from Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive to I‑70 (District 18); reduce Tenth Street to 25 mph from Rural to Arsenal Avenue (District 13); reduce Bridal Street to 25 mph from Thirteenth Street to North Street (District 13); set 20 mph limits in the Badewoods/Forest Creek subdivisions (District 20); set 25 mph in Norwood and Manderley subdivisions (district correction later noted); set 25 mph in the Sunset Heights subdivision (District 2); and reduce South Meridian Street to 25 mph from Iowa Street to McCarty Street (District 18).
Sheets told the committee that four of the proposals are tied to engineering projects: planned or completed street projects include Tenth Street, Madison Avenue and South Meridian Street. He said engineering measures such as curb extensions and mid‑block crosswalks are being installed on some corridors and that the speed changes in those locations are project‑related rather than arbitrary reductions.
Councilor Andy Nielsen raised concerns about Tenth Street because it is an east‑west access corridor serving businesses and the ride pattern for commuters. Nathan Sheets replied that a number of bump‑outs, intersection improvements and mid‑block crosswalks are part of the project design.
Jacob Ross, who said he lives in the Little Flower neighborhood and rides an e‑bike, spoke during public comment in favor of lowering speeds on Tenth Street and in neighborhood streets generally. Ross said, “I fully support speed reduction especially on Tenth Street,” and urged the council to consider lower speeds on neighborhood streets that are used by students and local businesses.
Councilor Brian Mowery (on the record) moved to forward proposals 91 through 97 to the full council with a do‑pass recommendation; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the slate by voice vote.
The committee record shows the motion carried; the full City‑County Council will consider the proposals at a later meeting. Several councilors and staff noted that state statute establishes default speed limits (30 mph in many jurisdictions) and that any deviation requires council approval.
