Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service, or an appropriate designee, to request the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation increase the posted speed limit on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road from 35 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour.
An engineering study conducted along Brown Road by the Franklin County Engineer’s Office, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.21, supports increasing the current speed limit on that stretch of roadway. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.21 allows for the establishment, by ordinance, of a higher prima facie speed limit than that stated in that section if, given existing conditions, the higher prima facie speed limit is reasonable and safe. The purpose of this legislation is to effect said change.
Portions of Brown Road also lie within the boundaries of Franklin Township and Jackson Township, where there currently is an un posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. The townships each are preparing legislation to reduce the existing speed limit to 40 miles per hour in order to establish a uniform speed limits across all three jurisdictions.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no expenditure required to make the request to increase the speed limit.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service, or an appropriate designee, to request that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation authorize an increase in the posted speed limit on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road from 35 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour; and to repeal any and all speed limit ordinances and resolutions on said roadway.
Body
WHEREAS, the current posted speed limit on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road is 35 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, a recent engineering study conducted by the Franklin County Engineer’s Office determined that a prima facie speed limit of 40 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.21 provides for the establishment of a reasonable and safe prima-facie speed limit under such conditions by ordinance enacted by a local authority; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service, Division of Traffic Management, recommends a reasonable and safe prima facie speed limit of 40 miles per hour be established on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road; and
WHEREAS, upon approval of this ordinance by Council, the Department of Public Service, acting through the Director of Public Service or an appropriate designee, will request the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation increase the speed limit on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road from 35 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That, upon the basis of a traffic engineering study performed by the Franklin County Engineer’s Office, it is hereby determined that a prima facie speed limit of 40 miles per hour on Brown Road from Dyer Road to Frank Road is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
SECTION 2. That the Director of Public Service, or an appropriate designee, hereby is authorized to request the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation increase the posted speed limit on the portion of Brown Road between Dyer Road and Frank Road from 35 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour.
SECTION 3. That any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions concerning Brown Road from Dyer Road to Frank Road be and are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.