Committee approves request to ODOT to lower Lake Avenue speed limit to 30 mph

Summary

Committee approved a resolution asking the Ohio Department of Transportation to set a 30 mph speed limit on Lake Avenue between W. 117th and Detroit Avenue after a speed‑zone study showed most drivers already travel below 35 mph. Staff said the change aligns with the city's Vision Zero goals and will be followed by signage after ODOT's written OK.

The committee unanimously approved Resolution 1097‑2025, asking the Ohio Department of Transportation to declare a 30 mph speed limit for the Lake Avenue corridor from West 117th Street to Detroit Avenue.

Cameron Roberts, a staff member working on Vision Zero and capital projects, summarized a weeklong speed‑zone study and crash analysis. Roberts said the study showed a majority of drivers were already traveling below the posted 35 mph limit; the corridor also has roadway changes (lane reductions, medians, bike lanes) that staff said support a lower limit. "Reducing car speed limits by five miles per hour can go a very long way and potentially save a life when a crash does occur," Roberts told the committee.

Staff said they will seek written approval from ODOT and then install advance signage for several weeks prior to changing posted speed‑limit signs; they estimated a three to four week public‑notification and implementation window after ODOT's written approval.

The resolution passed the committee.