Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Public Service Director to establish a safe operating speed that will be respected and obeyed by a majority of the driving public on New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road. Engineering studies conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support increasing the current speed limit from 25 to 35 miles per hour. The City of Columbus initiated the speed zone study at the request of a citizen.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Title
To raise the speed limit on New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road to 35 miles per hour from the posted speed of 25 miles per hour, and to repeal any and all previous speed limit resolutions on New World Drive.
Body
WHEREAS, the Public Service Department received a request from a citizen to investigate the speed limit on New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road; and
WHEREAS, the current posted speed limit on New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road is 25 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, engineering and traffic investigations indicate that a posted speed of 35 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS; Section 4511.21(J) of the Ohio Revised Code provides for the establishment of a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit under such conditions as determined by 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 35 miles per hour to be so established for New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Watkins Road Task Force supports the recommended increase in the speed limit as a means to encourage truck traffic away from the residential neighborhood along Watkins Road west of the railroad overpass; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission voted to support the recommended increase in the speed limit on May 12, 2005; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That any and all previous speed limit resolutions on New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road be and are hereby repealed.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 35 miles per hour for New World Drive between Alum Creek Drive and Watkins Road is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law