Safe Speed Forums

Adjusting the speed limit in Kalamazoo
April 12, 2010 5:00 PM

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – In Kalamazoo, the Michigan Department of Transportation is preparing to adjust the speed limit on one of the city's busiest streets.

The State of Michigan acquired the stretch of Westnedge Avenue more than ten years ago, but a speed study, which is usually done on every state road every five to 15 years, has yet to be done on the road. For that reason speed limits defaulted to those posted by the City of Kalamazoo, 30 mph in some areas, 35 in others.

However, M-DOT says those limits are technically not valid, or legally enforceable.

After starting a speed study in 2009, Michigan State Police now believe, based on motorist's habits, that the posted speed on Westnedge should in fact be 34 and 40 mph.

The speed limits will be changed as follows:
The speed limit from Kilgore Road to Crosstown Parkway will be increased from 35 mph to 40 mph on both Westnedge and Park. The speed limit will be increased from 30 mph to 35 mph from Crosstown Parkway to Dunkley Street on both Westendge and Park.

The state says the new posted speeds shouldn't affect the actual speed of traffic.

“The way the science works in all honesty, is 85 percent of all motorists will travel at or near a safe speed for any stretch of road,” said Nick Schirripa of M-DOT. “the 85th percentile, it's how state police determine what a speed limit should be.”

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

There will be two meetings in Kalamazoo to discuss the changes. They will be held on Monday and Tuesday night in the Kalamazoo City Hall Commission Chambers at six o'clock.