Committee flags East Avenue northbound speeds; refers data to police for targeted enforcement

The Building & Grounds Committee received a staff briefing Jan. 6 on a speed study for East Avenue between Garfield Avenue and Les Paul Parkway. City counters recorded northbound 50th‑percentile speeds of 46.2 mph and 85th‑percentile speeds of 52.1 mph at the study location; southbound speeds were lower (50th ~38.5, 85th ~42 mph).

Alderman Mike Anderson said residents who back onto East Avenue complained about engine noise and higher speeds. Committee members and staff discussed whether the problem was primarily an enforcement issue, a pavement condition problem that increases noise, or a need to change posted limits.

Darren said engineering is pursuing grant funding for resurfacing segments where pavement condition worsens and generates additional noise; resurfacing could reduce engine/vehicle noise and improve ride quality. The committee directed staff to provide the police department with the study’s time‑of‑day speed distributions so enforcement can be focused at peak violation times. No change to the posted speed was made at the meeting.

Why it matters: northbound traffic on East Avenue appears to be transitioning from higher‑speed facilities to the city segment; the committee prioritized enforcement and pavement condition remediation over immediate posting changes.

Outcome: staff to deliver targeted speed/time‑of‑day data to the police department and to continue pursuing resurfacing funding; no ordinance or posting change approved at the Jan. 6 meeting.