[ back ]
Residents want Diley Road speed limit changed
(by Rachel Scofield, Staff Writer - November 23, 2009)
Now that the new five-lane Diley Road is open to traffic, drivers want the speed limit changed, City Engineer Greg Bachman said.
The road was built for 45 mph driving, but the speed limit remains 35 mph, Bachman said.
"It is difficult to stay at 35 when driving it now," Bachman said.
Darryl Baker lives in the Manchester Subdivision near the corner of Diley and Columbus Street.
Baker said although he follows the speed limit, most drivers do not.
"I think it is artificially low and I am concerned it will become a speed trap," Baker said.
Many motorists driving north on Diley from U.S. 33, do not realize the speed limit drops from 45 mph to 35 mph once they cross into the city, Baker said.
Bachman said residents compare Diley Road to S.R. 256 that also has five lanes, but a speed limit of 50 mph.
Councilman Brian Wisniewski said only one residential development is located along the 50 mph stretch of S.R. 256, while six developments empty onto Diley.
If the speed limit would increase to 45 mph, some people may drive 65 mph, Wisniewski said.
The raised speed limit would increase the probability of a car jumping a curb, Wisniewski said.
Along Diley "there are no trees between the road and a heavily used bike track," Wisniewski said.
Wisniewski said he was the only member of council in office six years ago when the Diley Road project was first discussed.
Wisniewski said he remembers a line of Diley Road residents stretching out the door of city hall who were adamantly opposed to a higher speed limit.
"If I vote 'no' it is not because I don't want to see it raised," Wisniewski said. "I gave my word."
Baker said he believes that Diley-area residents want the speed to increase and that many assume that the city has just not updated the signs.
"I'd be willing to bet if you polled the subdivisions, people think that it's going to be 45," Baker said. "I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone not driving 45 to 50 already."
Bachman agreed with Baker.
"People are going to drive what they feel is appropriate for the road unless we have an officer assigned," Bachman said.
Bachman said he would conduct a study to determine what speed Diley motorists are traveling.
"This will be the first time I have conducted a traffic study to raise a speed limit," Bachman said.
| Comments (3) |
On November 30, 2009 Andy said:
I am a resident on Diley Road. I feel it would be a big mistake to change the speed limit. The last they we need is another repeat of 256. That road constantly has accidents due to the speed. My children and adults use the bike paths and sidewalks. If the speed was changed this would be just a matter of time until someone is killed by a driver. Also, the additional noise from the higher speed limit is unwanted by residents. If you take all things into consideration, driving 10 more miles per hour will not get you where you want to go that much faster and if you are driving the speed limit you don't need to worry about how many cops are on the roads. I suggest individuals use cruise control if they can't control their speed. |
| |
On November 30, 2009 Yuhe said:
I definitely think 35 is too slow given how straight the road is and how little traffic there is currently. most everyone is driving 40-50mph on this road since both sides opened, I feel trying to maintain 35 only causes congestion behind me. In fact it is rather difficult to even achieve 50mph on SR256 now with all the traffic and red lights, I barely go 40mph before I run into congestion. Perhaps time for a swap? |
| |
On November 29, 2009 Peggy said:
I use my cruise control to avoid speeding on Diley. It feels strange to use it for 35 mph, but it works. I too remember the Diley Road area residents complaining about a higher speed limit when the road improvements were being planned. The 35 mph limit feels too low when you're driving it, but kudos to Mr. Wisniewski for keeping his word. |
| |
[ back ]
