Residents urge speed reductions on South Lake Story Road after fatal crash

Speakers at public comment urged immediate action to reduce speeds on South Lake Story Road after a Nov. 22 crash that killed Marty Glass. A family member described the collision, said Glass — a longtime nurse and Army Reserve veteran — succumbed to injuries, and proposed lowering the posted limit from 45 mph to 35 mph between Henderson Street and Allison Campground and to 25 mph around the curves to improve safety.

"I am proposing that the speed limit be reduced to 35 miles an hour from Henderson Street to Allison Campground and then the speed limit, around the curves to be reduced to 25 miles an hour," said the family member during public comment. Nearby residents described seeing cars and motorcycles exceed 70–80 mph and urged both a lower limit and more enforcement.

City staff told the council that South Lake Story Road is under county jurisdiction, so any change requires a cooperative process. "The county has indicated that they intend to recommend a reduction of speed, which then we would bring forth matching action to the council," said Hansen, city staff, who added that a trail project should improve sight lines in some spots and that staff is pursuing additional monitoring and enforcement tools.

Council members expressed sympathy and pledged to work with county officials. "There's a sincere effort to make sure that this gets addressed," one council member said during closing remarks, noting the council's commitment to coordinated steps to improve safety. The council did not adopt a local ordinance on the matter at this meeting; staff will return with recommendations and coordinate with the county.