Oak Harbor city staff and the Washington State Department of Transportation updated the council on Nov. 25 about a WSDOT analysis that recommends lowering posted speeds on segments of State Route 20 through and near Oak Harbor following recent roundabout construction.

City Engineer Alex Warner said the topic began with a roundabout design analysis and that WSDOT has since performed traffic studies of how vehicles actually operate along the corridor. Warner said WSDOT’s recommendations include lowering a northern segment’s posted speed by 5 mph and more substantial reductions at the south end: “WSDOT’s analysis … is recommending a speed limit reduction, from Barlow to approximately Swan Town, just south of Swan Town, to reduce that from 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour,” and an intermediate 35‑mph zone to the southern city limits. WSDOT’s Joshua Shippey said a 5‑mph reduction in the 50‑mph section down to 45 mph is also being considered where appropriate.

Warner explained the legal framework and attributed final authority to the state: “It’s pretty clear in RCWs that authority rests with the secretary of transportation,” and read the statute’s language about the state’s power to set or fix speeds on state highways within city limits. Councilmembers pressed staff on timing and enforcement questions: one councilmember asked whether WSDOT’s proposals would be brought back as informational items or for council support; staff said the city would provide local operational input and that, once the state completes its recommendations, staff would package ordinance language and bring it to council, likely in early 2026.

Council discussion focused on safety and driver behavior: members noted recent collisions near the roundabout and growth in the corridor that affects speeds and congestion, asked whether the study accounts for actual driving habits, and queried enforcement practices during transition periods. The police representative said jurisdictions generally allow an informational enforcement period when limits change and the city deploys radar trailers and PR messaging to notify drivers.

Next steps: WSDOT will finish the north‑end analysis, incorporate field data, and return a consolidated recommendation; city staff plan to bring an ordinance package early next year so council can review the proposed code changes and any communications or enforcement plans.