MDOT adjusts speed limits on Westnedge Avenue and Park Street

Contact: Nick Schirripa, MDOT Office of Communications,
schirripan@michigan.gov
Nick Schirripa, MDOT Office of

Agency: Transportation

April 12, 2010 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation will be adjusting speed limits on M-331 and the US-131 Business Route (BR)/Westnedge Avenue and Park Street through downtown Kalamazoo after more than a year of research.

MDOT is responsible for safely managing the state roadway system, which includes establishing speed limits on state roads. Over the past year, MDOT and the Michigan State Police (MSP) have performed an engineering and traffic investigation resulting in the need for modified speed limits on M-331 and US-131 BR. The new speed limit for M-331 from Kilgore Road to Crosstown Parkway will be increased from 35 mph to 40 mph. The new speed limit for M-331 and US-131 BR from Crosstown Parkway to Dunkley Street will be increased from 30 mph to 35 mph. MDOT also is placing 30 mph advisory speed signs on southbound M-331/Westnedge Avenue from Howard Street to Whitcomb Street, and on M-331/Park Street from Forest Street to Wall Street. Speed limit sign adjustments are made to reflect the speeds most drivers already are traveling through the M-331 and US-131 BR corridor.

"Setting realistic speed limits will facilitate safe and orderly traffic flow, making these streets safer for motorists and pedestrians, area schools, residents and businesses," said MDOT Chief Operations Officer Greg Johnson. MDOT and MSP studies show speeds do not increase when speed limits are adjusted.

"We're not changing the traveled speed, but rather the black-and-white sign to reflect what traveled speeds already are," said MSP Sgt. James Campbell. "This correction will lead to fewer conflicts and crashes, increasing safety for motorists and pedestrians."

The new signs will be posted this spring, and specific timing depends on the weather.

For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.

MDOT says: Construction work zones need your undivided attention.