Salinas commission approves most 2026 speed‑survey changes but excludes Skonberg increase after resident objections

The Salinas Traffic and Transportation Commission on May 14 reviewed staff’s 2026 engineering and traffic surveys and voted to recommend most of the proposed speed‑limit adjustments to city council while removing a controversial recommendation for Skonberg Parkway.

Jonathan Hernandez of the city’s traffic division told the commission the report covered 12 roadway segments whose surveys were expiring in 2026; staff recommended retaining posted limits on eight segments, reducing three, and increasing one. Hernandez summarized the methodology used—collecting speeds from 100 vehicles per segment, using the 85th‑percentile speed and rounding per local practice—and said agencies may apply California’s Assembly Bill 43 to lower a limit by an additional 5 mph where a corridor is adjacent to schools or heavy pedestrian and bicycle presence. “Surveys were conducted under normal traffic conditions” and the recommendations apply the MUTCD and AB 43 guidance, Hernandez said.

Residents and several commissioners pressed staff over the Skonberg Parkway data, arguing the 85th‑percentile measurement did not reflect the road’s sharp curve and local peak‑period conditions. A resident who said they live on the corridor told the commission: “You need to put another speed sign, like 15 miles an hour, or a blinking light when you get closer to the curb.” Commissioners asked whether surveys were taken during peak periods and whether advisory signing, flashing lights or an advisory speed for the curve could be added in addition to the survey‑based posted limit. Hernandez responded that the survey procedures require sampling during “normal conditions” and described the legal limits staff must follow when setting enforceable posted speeds.

Commissioner Arsenio moved to approve staff’s recommended adjustments for all listed segments except the Skonberg Parkway change (the item proposed to move the posted limit from 25 to 35). Commissioner Jose Guerra seconded the motion. By roll call the motion passed with five yes votes (Commissioners Metelli, Sornio, Garrett, Peterson and Hernandez) and one no vote (Commissioner Hammer). Chair called the motion passed and directed staff to reflect the commission’s action in the report to city council.

The staff presentation listed specific segment outcomes including, by example, Chaparral Street retained at 25 mph; Tow Street reduced to 25 mph; Monterey Street retained at 25 mph; John Street adjusted to 30 mph after rounding and AB 43 consideration; and Freedom Parkway reduced from 35 to 30 mph where AB 43 conditions applied. Skonberg Parkway was measured at a significantly higher 85th‑percentile speed; staff had applied standard rounding and the AB 43 allowance, which would have produced an increased posted limit, but the commission removed that item from its recommendation to council pending further local review.

Commissioners emphasized that signage, roadway geometry and enforcement matter alongside posted limits. Several urged staff to consider targeted advisory signs, additional curb review and formal requests to the police traffic unit for focused enforcement in the affected neighborhoods. Hernandez said staff will include commissioner concerns and any dissenting views in the staff report forwarded to city council.

The commission’s action now goes to city council as a recommendation; council has the final authority to adopt or reject the speed‑limit changes. If council adopts changes without legally valid surveys in effect, staff cautioned, those speed limits could be subject to challenge and enforcement issues.