Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This resolution authorizes the Director of Public Service to request the Ohio Department of Transportation to establish a safe operating speed on Snouffer Road from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit. Engineering studies conducted as prescribed by the Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support decreasing the current speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour. The Division of Transportation performed the speed zone study as a result of numerous concerns expressed by the adjacent residential community.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
Title
To request that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation lower the speed limit on Snouffer Road within the City of Columbus from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit to forty (40) mph, and to repeal any and all speed limit ordinances and resolutions on said roadways.
Body
WHEREAS, based on a number of concerns expressed by the residents in the area that the speed limit on Souffer Road is inappropriate for a residential area, the Division of Transportation conducted a speed zone warrant study on Snouffer Road from Sawmill Road to Olentangy River Road in accordance with Ohio Department of Transportation procedures; and
WHEREAS, Snouffer Road lies within the jurisdictions of the City of Columbus, City of Worthington and Perry Township; and
WHEREAS, the lack of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists on Snouffer Road present challenges to non-motorized mobility; and
WHEREAS, the current speed limit on Snouffer Road from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit is 45 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, traffic engineering studies and investigations performed under the direction of a Professional Engineer indicate that a posted speed of 40 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus will continue to monitor vehicle speeds, crashes and volumes and revise necessary regulations and investigate infrastructure improvements to promote a complete streets environment; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission approved this speed limit reduction on May 8, 2008; 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 of Columbus, Ohio, Department of Public Service, Division of Transportation, City Traffic Engineer, recommends that a reasonable and safe speed limit of 40 miles per hour be established for Snouffer Road within the City of Columbus from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Snouffer Road within the City of Columbus from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit 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 40 miles per hour for Snouffer Road within the City of Columbus from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
SECTION 3. Be it further resolved 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 speed limit of 40 miles per hour for Snouffer Road within the City of Columbus from Bent Tree Drive to the Worthington corporate limit.
SECTION 4. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.