Saratoga Springs seeks Route 9 speed reduction after pedestrian death; city begins phased 25 mph rollout
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Summary
After a pedestrian fatality on Route 9, city staff said they will request New York State DOT lower the posted speed between East-West Road and another point to 40 mph; the council also reported a phased local rollout of a 25 mph default speed in subdivisions with enforcement to begin January 2026.
City staff told the council they are requesting the New York State Department of Transportation reduce the speed limit on Route 9 from East-West Road to 40 miles per hour following a recent pedestrian fatality.
A public-works or public-safety staff member said the specific fatality involved a broken-down vehicle struck by a commercial vehicle and that a lower posted speed could have reduced the likelihood or severity of the crash. Councilors and staff noted the city previously urged DOT to act and that DOT had not changed the limit earlier; staff said they will press the agency again.
Separately, the council and public-safety staff described a citywide, phased reduction to a default 25 mph in many residential subdivisions. Signs are being changed beginning in outer districts and the city expects the signage rollout to continue over the next few weeks. Full enforcement of the new 25 mph limit is not planned until January 2026 to allow a grace period for public acclimation.
Staff said they will coordinate some signage with NYSDOT where state routes are affected and that Complete Streets and local biking groups are assisting with outreach. Mayor Stafford and public-safety staff also said they will explore Albany's enforcement practices and revenue experience as part of follow-up discussions.
Ending: The council made the reduced speeds and outreach a near-term enforcement and public-information priority; the DOT request for a 40 mph limit on the Route 9 segment is pending the state's action.