Explanation
This resolution authorizes the Public Service Director to request the Ohio Department of Transportation to establish a safe operating speed on Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road. Engineering studies conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 support decreasing the current prima-facie speed limit from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour. The Transportation Division performed the speed zone study as a result of various recommendations by the Watkins Road Traffic Task Force to enhance livability of the adjacent community.
Title
To request that the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation lower the prima-facie speed limit on Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road to thirty (30) miles per hour; and to repeal any and all speed limit ordinances and resolutions on said roadway.
Body
WHEREAS, the Watkins Road Traffic Task Force was formed with representatives from the community, Marion-Franklin Civic Association, commercial businesses (including Norfolk Southern Intermodal Transfer Facility) and city staff to address the consequences of the speed and volume of passenger vehicle and truck traffic on the quality of life for residents adjacent to this portion of Watkins Road; and
WHEREAS, the Watkins Road Traffic Task Force has recommended a reduced speed limit and truck restrictions on Watkins Road in order to promote a safe pedestrian environment; and
WHEREAS, in order to promote the ideals of livable streets, the City of Columbus desires a lower speed limit on Watkins Road; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus recently constructed 2.1 miles of sidewalk on Watkins Road to serve two elementary schools; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has implemented several regulations and roadway improvements to reduce the number of trucks traveling on this portion of Watkins Road; and
WHEREAS, the current prima-facie speed limit on Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road is 35 miles per hour; and
WHEREAS, traffic engineering studies and investigations performed under the direction of a Professional Engineer indicate a posted speed of 30 miles per hour is reasonable and safe under existing conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus will continue to monitor vehicle speeds and volumes and revise necessary regulations to promote a safe residential and pedestrian environment; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation and Pedestrian Commission approved this speed limit reduction on November 8, 2007; 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, Public Service Department, Transportation Division, City Traffic Engineer, recommends that a reasonable and safe prima-facie speed limit of 30 miles per hour be established for Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That, upon the basis of the aforesaid engineering and traffic investigations, it is hereby determined that the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour for Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road is reasonable and safe under existing conditions.
SECTION 2. 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 prima-facie speed limit of 30 miles per hour for Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road.
SECTION 3. That any and all previous speed limit ordinances and resolutions on Watkins Road from the Norfolk Southern railroad overpass to Groveport Road be and are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. This resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.