Plain City to lobby ODOT for lower speed limits on parts of State Route 161

Village staff presented the completed speed study for State Route 161 (Main Street) and recommended that the village request ODOT review and concurrence with the study’s recommendations. The study proposed maintaining posted limits between Guy Street and Jackson Boulevard, reducing a short transitional segment to 40 mph from Jackson Boulevard to Butler Avenue, and retaining the downtown 25 mph zone because of pedestrian activity and on‑street parking.

Staff explained that municipalities must submit a detailed speed zone study to ODOT for any changes because the road is a state highway. The staff presenter said the report recommended the 40 mph reduction in one short segment but proposed the council request a uniform 35 mph for the corridor to “eliminate the short transition” and to help drivers and law enforcement.

Council members raised safety concerns near the roundabout, the park‑and‑ride area and library/ice‑cream shop pedestrian locations and discussed whether posted speeds matched observed driver behavior. Several council members and police representatives said observed speeds are often at or below posted limits in many places, but council members emphasized perceived safety concerns and consistency of signage as reasons to seek a 35 mph standard in the two segments where the study recommended 40 mph.

Chief (Police) was asked about safety in the 35 mph areas and did not raise specific additional safety issues for the existing 35‑mph downtown areas. After discussion, council agreed to lobby ODOT to consider a 35 mph posting in the two locations where the study would set 40 mph and to keep the downtown 25 mph zone in place. Staff will prepare the request to ODOT and report back on any actions or concurrence.