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Commission approves pedestrian islands on Gardenia, declines raising speed limit
Summary
Commissioners approved pedestrian crossing islands for Gardenia Avenue and voted to keep the posted speed at 25 mph after an amendment removed the traffic committee’s recommendation to raise the limit to 30 mph.
The Royal Oak City Commission approved pedestrian crossing improvements on Gardenia Avenue as staff recommended in its corridor study, but removed the traffic committee’s recommendation to raise the posted speed limit from 25 to 30 mph.
City Engineer Donahue presented Gardenia’s traffic study, noting the 80th‑percentile speed was about 33 mph on a road currently posted at 25 mph and that traffic volumes are roughly 3,500 vehicles per day. Staff recommended two pedestrian islands to improve crossing access to Kenwood Park and that a 30 mph posting would be consistent with engineering practice.
During discussion commissioners expressed mixed views about raising the posted limit before pedestrian improvements were installed. Commissioner Coelho moved to amend the motion to authorize design and construction of the pedestrian crossing islands only and to retain the current 25 mph limit; Commissioner Hunt seconded the amendment. The amendment carried and the commission approved the pedestrian improvements by voice vote.
The commission’s action directs engineering to include two islands and related design work in the Gardenia resurfacing project scheduled for 2026; commissioners said they expect the islands to improve pedestrian access though staff noted such islands often have modest effects on overall speeds.
