Title
Ordinance - Third and Final Reading of an Ordinance Changing the Speed Limits on the US Hwy 287 Northbound and Southbound Frontage Roads from 40 MPH to 45
Requested Action
Consider adoption of the Ordinance changing the speed limits on the US Hwy 287 Frontage Roads.
Recommendation
The Public Works Staff recommends approval of the Ordinance
Description/History
The Texas Department of Transportation has performed a speed study along the northbound and southbound US 287 Frontage Roads in Mansfield and Arlington to determine if the current posted speed limits safely meet the speed that 85% of the motorists are driving. The results of the speed studies indicated an 85% percentile speed of 39 MPH to 59 MPH upon the various segments of the frontage roads. The more developed areas had the lower speeds while the less developed areas had the higher speeds. Considering the number of existing and future access points along with the future growth along these roadways TxDOT is proposing a speed limit through Mansfield of 45 MPH. Arlington did not support raising the speed limit in their jurisdiction, which is currently posted at 40 MPH.
The requested changes to Chapter 73 of the Traffic Code of Mansfield are as follows:
ยท Increase the speed limit on the northbound and southbound US 287 Frontage Roads from 40 MPH to 45 MPH from Turner Warnell Road to the Union Pacific Railroad (south of East Broad Street).
At the February 10, 2020 City Council Meeting the Council approved the 1st Reading of the Ordinance by a vote of 5 to 0.
Justification
The proposed speed limits are more appropriate for the speed the drivers on the US 287 frontage roads are currently driving. The increase in the speed limits is not anticipated to impact safety. These speed limit changes have been approved by the Texas Transportation Commission. The Mansfield Police Department does not anticipate any issues with this change.
The Public Works Director will be in attendance at the mee...
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