Tempe staff propose 5 mph reductions on seven streets to improve corridor consistency and safety

Michelle Beckley, senior civil engineer in Tempe's traffic group, told council staff is proposing 5 mph reductions on seven roadway segments to improve uniformity and pedestrian/bicycle safety where land use or projects have changed corridor character.

"Today, I'll be presenting on 7 roadway segments that we are proposing speed limit changes for," Beckley said, outlining corridor-specific points: Broadway Road (outer sections 45'>40 to match a 40 mph center segment), Priest Drive (45'>40 to improve consistency near pedestrian bridges and recreation uses), Guadalupe (45'>40, with multiple multiuse-path crossings and nearby Marcos de Niza High School), 5th Street and Veterans Way (30'>25 to match adjacent corridor), Miller Road (35'>30 ahead of a project with speed humps and planter islands), McKellips Road (40'>35 to transition to neighboring sections), and Roosevelt Street (35'>30 to transition to residential 25-mph areas).

Beckley said many of these corridors will soon have construction or other projects that change the look and feel of the road and make lower limits appropriate. Staff told council these changes were presented in September to the Transportation Commission with positive support and recommended moving to virtual and in-person public meetings followed by two public hearings.

Council members asked about potential diversion of commuter traffic to parallel streets and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions; Beckley said staff would analyze impacts further and coordinate regionally where appropriate.

If supported by council, staff will schedule public outreach and hearings before any speed-limit changes are adopted.