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Council rejects increasing Longwood Avenue speed limit, retains 25 mph
Summary
After public and council concerns about pedestrian safety and neighborhood character, council defeated a motion to raise Longwood Avenue to 35 mph; the 25 mph posting will remain and staff will pursue traffic-calming recommendations.
Town Council voted down a streets-committee recommendation to restore the previous 35 mph posting on a stretch of Longwood Avenue and left the 25 mph limit in place.
Members of the public and several council members urged preserving the 25 mph posting. Residents said they use the roadway for walking and jogging, cited pedestrian safety concerns for children and older homes, and asked that the town emphasize enforcement and traffic-calming measures rather than raising the posted speed. Council discussion referenced earlier recommendations by VDOT and the town’s traffic consultants for bicycle markings and a center turn lane with bike accommodation.
Vice Mayor Updike moved to restore the 35 mph limit on Longwood between Oakwood Street and Grove Street; Councilman Jay Ippolito seconded. The motion failed unanimously, with seven votes against and none in favor, so the 25 mph limit remains. Council members asked staff to implement consultant and VDOT recommendations to help drivers maintain 25 mph, including faded sign replacement and other calming features.
The council’s decision preserves the neighborhood posting while directing staff to pursue engineering and enforcement changes intended to make the posted speed safer and more attainable for drivers.
