Tempe lowers speed limits along 7 streets

Tempe has changed speed limits on seven streets after months of discussions that included public comments and  ideas from advisory commissions.

The modifications, which went into effect over the weekend, were the result of an evaluation of roadway characteristics, traffic patterns, crash history and residents' comments, according to a city release.

“The speed limit changes support Tempe’s changing urban environment, continued growth, higher land density and increased pedestrian and bicycling activity,” the release stated.

In addition, officials said, Tempe’s Vision Zero goals aim to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes.

Approved speed limit changes:

1. McKellips Road: Reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph between College Avenue and Scottsdale Road.

2. Miller Road: Reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph from the northern city limits to Curry Road.

3. Veterans Way/Fifth Street: Reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph from University Drive to Farmer Avenue.

4. Broadway Road: Reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph from Terrace Road to the eastern city limit, and from Priest Drive to the western city limit.

5. Roosevelt Street: Reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph from Broadway Road to Southern Avenue.

6. Priest Drive: Reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph from Alameda Drive to Baseline Road.

7. Guadalupe Road: Reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph from Kyrene Road to the eastern city limit.

The changes were implemented on June 13 after a process that included two City Council hearings, presentations to the Neighborhood Advisory and Mayor's Youth Advisory commissions and community input, including meeting with Tempe Bicycle Action Group, officials said.

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as those meet our  Civility Guidelines.