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Thompson's Station considers lowering Lewisburg Pike speed limit after engineering study
Summary
Board reviewed a second-reading ordinance to reduce the speed limit on Lewisburg Pike from 55 to 45 mph based on a Birch Engineering speed study; members asked staff to check whether weight-class limits for dump trucks and semis are possible or require additional engineering justification.
At a work session the board considered the second reading of Ordinance 26-01 to lower the speed limit on Lewisburg Pike within town limits from 55 mph to 45 mph following a speed study conducted by Birch Engineering.
"The request is a result of a speed study that was conducted by Birch Engineering," staff said, noting that Tennessee Department of Transportation requires a speed study to change posted limits on state routes. Staff recommended following the study's conclusions for the general limit but acknowledged the study did not address differential limits by vehicle type.
Board members raised concerns about heavy vehicles and whether the town could set a separate, lower limit for dump trucks and semis. Staff and the town attorney explained the speed study did not provide vehicle-class recommendations and that imposing vehicle-specific speed limits on a state route may require additional engineering justification or a separate regulatory approach; staff offered to investigate options and return with potential amendments or a separate study.
Why it matters: the change would alter speeds on a town corridor used by residents and commercial traffic, with potential safety and development implications. The board did not take a final vote during the session and requested follow-up on truck-specific limits before moving forward on the second-reading process.
