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Council adopts engineering traffic survey in first reading; Palm Drive speed, road design discussed
Summary
Council approved the city’s required seven‑year engineering traffic survey and completed the first reading of an ordinance establishing updated speed limits. The study relies on 85th‑percentile speed measures and crash history; Palm Drive segments were discussed and planned roadway calming was described as a follow‑up.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council on June 17 adopted an engineering traffic survey required by state law and approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish updated speed limits across city streets.
Staff told the council the survey analyzed field speeds (85th‑percentile), crash history and roadway features to produce defensible speed‑limit recommendations. Deputy staff member (presented as Mr. Pors) said some segments were recommended for reductions and others for modest increases, generally by no more than 5 mph, based on the 85th‑percentile and safety criteria.
Councilmembers discussed Palm Drive, where one segment south of 18th Street currently posted at 60 mph showed an 85th‑percentile field speed of about 66 mph. Staff said the numerical result meant keeping the posted 60 mph limit is defensible now; however, planned street improvements — narrower lanes, curb, gutter, sidewalks and a signal at Palm and 20th — are expected to reduce speeds when they are built and would support different speed recommendations in future surveys.
Councilmember Daniel Pittz voiced support for reduced speeds in some zones and emphasized enforcement and public safety. The motion to adopt the traffic study and proceed with the first reading of the implementing ordinance passed unanimously; the ordinance returns July 1 for a second reading and final adoption.
Staff said the new limits will be used by the police department for enforcement and that the city will repeat defensible study updates in future cycles as roadway geometry changes.
The council’s action sets updated speed‑limit baselines and signals further engineering and complete‑street work on corridors such as Palm Drive.
