Coos Bay to submit testimony to ODOT as residents press for lower Highway 101 speed limit

The Coos Bay City Council agreed to submit testimony to the Oregon Department of Transportation's Speed Zone Review Panel and encouraged at least one in-person representative to attend a Dec. 9 hearing after residents urged a lower speed limit on Highway 101.

Dean Lundy, a resident, told the council the city has seen "heavier truck volume after the Swing Bridge is closed" and asked the city to press ODOT to "adopt a 35 mile an hour speed limit within Coos Bay city limits," arguing the change would improve safety and predictability for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Jennifer, a city staff member overseeing the item, summarized the city's options for the panel: written or verbal testimony, with supporting materials permitted, and noted the panel will hear the case in Salem on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. She said attendance "can be virtually or in person" and that the city can present either a brief statement or a formal presentation.

Mayor Joe Benetti encouraged the city to send both a letter and representation, saying, "I would encourage that and thank him for doing that," after a councilor volunteered to attend. Council discussion emphasized that in-person testimony and evidence from affected residents and experts can make a difference to panel decisions.

Councilors also noted citizen-submitted data: one commenter provided travel-time measurements and others reported observations of trucks traveling above posted limits. Staff said they would prepare draft testimony and the council indicated consensus to submit written comments and arrange for at least one in-person attendee.

The hearing is scheduled before ODOT's Speed Zone Review Panel; the city will file a written statement and coordinate council attendance and any additional supporting materials.