Title
Ordinance - Third Reading and Final Reading of an Ordinance Changing the Speed Limits and the School Zone on Main Street from North of Pleasant Ridge Drive to Heritage Parkway (FM 917)
Requested Action
Consider adoption of the Ordinance changing the speed limits on Main Street and removing the school zone.
Recommendation
The Public Works Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance
Description/History
At the request of Council the Public Works Department is bringing forward an Ordinance to reduce the existing speed limits on North and South Main Street. As part of this ordinance the existing school zone on North Main Street at Pleasant Ridge Drive will be removed.
At the November 25, 2019 City Council Meeting the City Council voted 6 - 0 in favor of the following changes to Chapter 73 of the Traffic Code of Mansfield:
• Reduce the speed limit on North Main Street from 45 MPH to 35 MPH starting at a point 500 feet north of Pleasant Ridge Drive to a point 100 feet north of Van Worth Street.
• Reduce the speed limit on North and South Main Street from 45 MPH and 35 MPH to 30 MPH starting at a point 100 feet north of Van Worth Street to Hunt Street.
• Reduce the speed limit on South Main Street from 50 MPH to 45 MPH starting at Hunt Street to Heritage Parkway (FM 917).
• Remove the school zone on North Main Street from a point 470 feet south of its intersection with Pleasant Ridge Drive to a point 530 feet north of its intersection with Pleasant Ridge Drive.
The existing school zone on North Main Street is posted for 35 MPH; the proposed speed limit in that section of roadway is proposed to be 35 MPH. The new posted speed limit will eliminate the need for the school zone. After conversations with MISD Police; in lieu of the school zone they have requested a 35 MPH electronic warning sign be installed in the southbound direction to alert drivers of their speed and the posted speed. This electric sign will take the place of the school flasher.
Justification
The reduced speed limits are more appropriate for the improved roadway sections of North and South Main Street and are anticipated to help enhance pedestrian safety. The removal of the school zone will not impact child safety due to the signalized pedestrian crossing at the intersection of South Main Street/Pleasant Ridge Drive and the proposed speed limit being equal to the current school zone speed.
The proposed change is supported by the MISD and Mansfield Police Departments.
The Public Works Director will be in attendance at the meeting to answer Council’s questions.
Funding Source
N/A
Prepared By
David Boski, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works - Transportation
817-276-4208