Explanation
Background: This resolution authorizes the Public Service Director to request the Ohio Department of Transportation to establish a safe operating speed that will be respected and obeyed by a majority of the driving public on Alum Creek Drive between Main Street and Livingston Avenue. Engineering studies conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support decreasing the current speed limit from 50 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour. A number of pedestrians have been observed walking in the street due to the lack of sidewalks and the existence of a COTA bus stop. A recently constructed bike path parallels Alum Creek Drive for almost half the length of the roadway segment studied. Roadway geometry and signalized end points limit the driver's ability to attain the current posted speed limit to about half of the 0.7 mile length. The City of Columbus initiated the speed zone study at the request of the City of Bexley.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Title
To repeal any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Alum Creek Drive between Main Street and Livingston Avenue, and request the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation to lower the speed limit on Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street to 45 mph from the posted speed of 50 mph.
Body
WHEREAS, the current posted speed limit on Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street is 50 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bexley has requested that the posted speed limit be lowered; and
WHEREAS, engineering and traffic investigations indicate that a posted speed of 45 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS, pedestrian and bicycle traffic occur due to the existence of a COTA bus stop and parallel bikeway; and
WHEREAS, roadway design and traffic signals limit the ability of the drivers to attain the posted speed limit over the entire roadway segment; and
WHEREAS; Section 4511.21 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for the establishment of a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit under such conditions by the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation upon request of a local authority; and
WHEREAS, the City Traffic Engineer, City of Columbus, Ohio has recommended that a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit of 45 miles per hour to be so established for Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare; and,
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission voted to support the recommended decrease in the speed limit on March 11, 2004; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street be and are hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. That, upon the basis of the aforesaid engineering and traffic investigations, it is hereby determined that the posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour for Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
SECTION 3. Be it further ordained that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation is hereby requested to review the engineering and traffic investigation and to determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit of 45 miles per hour for Alum Creek Drive between Livingston Avenue and Main Street.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law