Title
Consider an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 28, Section 28-245, Speed Limits on Certain Roads, to change the speed limit on Rosewood Drive.
Summary
DATE: December 6, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Edwin Revell, Executive Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: Consider an Ordinance Amending Section 28-245 to change the Speed Limit on Rosewood Drive
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
In 2020, the City contracted with Kimley Horn to perform a speed study along Rosewood Drive between Stagecoach Road and East Central Texas Expressway. In December 2021 the City Council directed staff to perform an additional speed analysis for the entire corridor of Rosewood Drive. City staff collected speed and traffic count data along Rosewood Drive from January 10th to January 12th, 2022. On January 18, 2022, the results of the speed study were presented to the City Council. The results showed that the average speeds that were collected were 39 mph for Rosewood Drive north of Stagecoach Road, and 41 mph for the section south of Stagecoach. The 85th percentile speeds were between 43 and 44 mph. The presentation also included accident data along Rosewood which showed accidents to be concentrated near the intersections of Fawn Drive and Aspen Drive. During the City Council meeting, staff were directed to perform warrant studies for the two intersections.
In review of the speed study report dated March 13, 2020, and data collected in January of 2022, the 85 percentile speeds were near and above 45 mph. TXDOT recommends that 85th percentile operating speed limit be used to establish speed limits on the roadways. Currently Rosewood Drive has a posted speed limit of 35 mph which is below the observed and recorded 85th percentile.
In review of the warrant study for the intersections of Aspen Drive and Fawn Drive, the intersections warrant signal improvements only for 45 mph. At 35 mph both intersections do not meet warrants. With the speed limit raised to meet the 85th percentile of 45 mph, the City can address and plan improvements for the intersections that can best address the safety of the roadway and address the current trend for accidents. It is important to note that when a signal meets traffic signal warrants, a traffic signal may be installed; it is not required.
The proposed ordinance would increase the speed limit on Rosewood Drive and also includes minor revisions to address typographical issues.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Choose not to adopt the ordinance raising the posted speed limit along Rosewood to 45 mph.
2. Adopt the Ordinance with amendments; or
3. Adopt the Ordinance as presented to raise the posted speed limit to 45 mph.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the Ordinance as presented to raise the posted speed limit along Rosewood Drive to 45 mph. The proposed speed limit of 45 mph matches the observed 85th percentile in two separate studies. Standard practices and recommendations by TXDOT recommend that posted speed limits be established based on the 85th percentile speed as determined through studies.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The item complies with all federal, state and local regulations
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the Ordinance as presented to raise the posted speed limit along Rosewood Drive to 45 mph.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Development Services
Finance
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Count Summary
Speed Study
Traffic Signal Warrant Report