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 Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector. Engineering studies conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support increasing the current speed limit from 35 to 40 miles per hour. There are no driveway connections to this segment of Vine Street as most of the roadway is contained within Ohio Department of Transportation limited access right-of-way. Pedestrian activity occurs on the north sidewalk and is very minimal.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Title
To repeal any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Vine Street and to raise the speed limit on Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector to 40 miles per hour from the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.
Body
WHEREAS, the Public Service Department received a request from a citizen to investigate the speed limit on Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector; and
WHEREAS, the current posted speed limit on this roadway segment is 35 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, the recent completion of I-670 placed a majority of Vine Street within the Ohio Department of Transportation limited access right-of-way which eliminates driveway connections and minimizes developable land to generate pedestrian traffic; and
WHEREAS, engineering and traffic investigations indicate that a posted speed limit of 40 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 40 miles per hour to be so established for Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission voted to support the recommended increase on the speed limit on January 8, 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limit ordinances and resolutions on Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector be and are hereby repealed.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 Vine Street between Neil Avenue and the Michigan Avenue Connector 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.