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Traffic authority forwards request to OSTA to align Silvermine Avenue and nearby streets to 25 mph
Summary
Staff asked the Traffic Authority to forward a speed‑limit change request to OSTA so the middle section of Silvermine Avenue (currently 30 mph) and adjacent low‑density streets match surrounding 25 mph limits; the authority approved the request after staff cited 85th‑percentile speed data.
The Norwalk Traffic Authority on July 20 voted to forward a speed‑limit change request to OSTA to standardize a section of Silvermine Avenue and several nearby residential streets at 25 miles per hour.
Nel presented the item and said the request arose from a traffic‑calming petition. She told the authority that the middle section of Silvermine Avenue carries a 30 mph speed limit while the northern and southern portions and the adjoining section in New Canaan are 25 mph. “So this request really stemmed from that... traffic calming request from a resident,” Nel said, and staff included backup data showing 85th‑percentile speeds near 25 mph for many of the streets under consideration.
Nel also said some neighboring low‑volume residential streets lacked sufficient vehicle counts for formal data but were included in the application because their character matches other 25 mph streets. Commissioner Tony Lopez summarized the request as aligning inconsistent limits: “We're just basically aligning the streets to conform to the other 25 mile per hour streets, correct?” Nel confirmed.
Why it matters: changing posted limits is a multi‑step process that requires OSTA approval; staff told the authority the change is consistent with observed speeds and neighboring jurisdictions’ limits. The authority voted to forward the request for OSTA review.
Next step: staff will submit the application and supporting data to OSTA for review and decision.
