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Council backs staff to pursue lowering Highway 24 speed limit near aquatic complex
Summary
After reviewing traffic complaints and enforcement data, council supported staff direction to engage MoDOT about lowering the speed limit near the aquatic and athletic complex (staff suggested 45 mph in place of the current higher limit) to reduce injury severity and improve safety; staff will pursue MoDOT concurrence and return with an ordinance if approved.
The council discussed traffic and safety conditions on Highway 24 near the aquatic and athletic complex and supported staff direction to begin formal talks with MoDOT to lower the posted speed limit.
Police and traffic staff presented incident and enforcement data, noting an uptick in complaints and some injury collisions near the complex. "I do believe... lowering the speed limit just by... 10 mile an hour... could be the difference of the significance of the injuries or completely, reducing accidents," the police chief said in support of a reduction to 45 mph in the corridor under discussion.
Staff described a staged process: council endorsement of the concept, staff engagement with MoDOT to confirm technical support and jurisdictional requirements, and then return of an ordinance for formal council action if MoDOT is supportive. The mayor and several council members supported the concept and asked staff to proceed.
Why it matters: Lowering the speed limit could reduce injury severity and help improve access from the athletic and aquatic facilities, but any change requires MoDOT review and a formal ordinance to take effect.
Council provided direction to move the idea forward and asked staff to prepare the necessary technical information and to engage MoDOT.
