25 mph Speed Limit Signs

Results of NWACA Fall 2007 Vote regarding COA adding 25 MPH Speed Limit Signs within NWACA boundaries. These results have been provided to the COA.

For: 46

Against: 116

Total: 162

Write-in specific streets Results:

For: Cedro Trail & Backtrail
For: Burney Drive
For: Please slow down Mesa Dr. Cars race along. They don’t only for obey the 30 mph signs.
For: Knollwood Dr. needs signs and enforcement
For: Backtrail Drive
Against: Control of existing limits needs to be enforced on Mesa & Far West
Against: RM 2222, Mesa, Far West
Against: All streets
For: Running Rope between Mesa and Chimney corners
Against: From Cat Mtn. Dr. via Mesa to 2222 should be 35 MPH.
Against: Mesa, Far West, Greystone, Hart Lane, Spicewood Springs, Steck
Against: All 23 signs
No Vote: Sierra Drive 25 mph
Against: all
For: Anything close to a school! And Greystone up to West Rim
Against: All

Background Information:

The City of Austin Public Works Dept has contacted us regarding reducing the speed limits on some of the streets in our area, by installing 25 mph speed limit signs. Per House Bill 87, (HB 87), the City may lower the default speed limit on streets that are 35 feet or less in width and on which parking has not been prohibited on either side of the street. HB 87 may be viewed at:
HB 87

The first section of our NWACA area that the COA has reviewed is bounded by Far West Boulevard on the north, MOPAC Expressway on the east, R.M. 2222 on the south, and Mesa Drive on the west.

The streets that are eligible for 25 mph speed limit signs under HB 87 criteria can be viewed at:
Streets

The highlighted streets are eligible but because they are short streets with some having tight curves, will not be signed. The COA can always add additional signs if requested by the residents and/or the APD for enforcement. Some of the streets due to their layouts, are recommended for one sign from the key direction. For this FIRST section of NWACA, the City recommends sign installation on 17 streets with a total of 23 new signs.

Similar evaluation and consideration will be given for the remaining sections of NWACA .

Additional Information may be obtained by contacting:

Ms. Samileh Mozafari, P.E.
Supervising Engineer
City of Austin
Public Works Transportation Division
974- 7010

Your Board feels that the 25 MPH speed limit signs would be an eyesore, increased sign pollution; many drivers are already under the impression that the DEFAULT limit IS 25 MPH rather than 30 MPH; and ENFORCEMENT in problem areas is the real solution. For these reasons we are RECOMMENDING AGAINST adding the new signs.

Adding 25 MPH Speed Limit Signs as recommended by COA within NWACA boundaries will be included on the October Ballot. Please vote your opinion.