Opinion: Caltrans listens to residents regarding speed limits
To the community,
I just finished my meeting with Jody Jones and Andrew Brandt from Caltrans. Apparently our concerns were heard because Caltrans is modifying its recommendation regarding speed limits.
In Meyers, from Hopi to right above Arapahoe the speed limit will remain the same 40 miles per hour. The entrance to Meyers to Hopi is being classified as a transition zone from the 55 miles per hour as you come down from the summit to the 40 miles per hour beginning at Hopi. For this four-tenths of a mile, the speed will increase from 40 to 45 then it goes back down to the 40.
Norma Santiago
A little beyond Arapahoe where the speed limit is currently 50 it will increase to 55 until you get into the city where it will transition to 45 then to 40 until before you get to Stateline where it will remain 35.
In its evaluation, Caltrans does take into account those optional considerations noted in the federal law; however, combined with the other considerations the most they can reduce the speed limit is 5 miles per hour. So unless something dramatically changes in driver behavior or geometrically along the highway, these are the speed limits.
However, understand that by 2014, given the road projects that Caltrans has planned, the study will be repeated and the speed limit will be adjusted accordingly. Included in those plans are a class 2 bike trail on Highway 50 through Meyers; a pedestrian crosswalk across Highway 50 that is going to be sited between Apache and the bug station; a pedestrian button at Pioneer Trail and Highway 50.
While I know this isn’t all we wanted, however, most important, we were successful in convincing Caltrans to keep the Meyers commercial core at 40. As we move through the implementation of the Meyers Community Plan, we will continue to arm ourselves with the community design that further merits additional decreases in speed.
I want to thank all of you for your ongoing support throughout this process. I will continue to pursue changes in legislation that reflect further considerations, for example when the law refers to environmental considerations, it speaks to what is actually on the road in terms of buildings, storefronts, etc. There is no consideration given to how higher speeds effect air quality.
Additionally, I would like to see Caltrans adopt the USLIMITS methodology for setting speed limits which affords greater flexibility. Unfortunately, all this has to go through the legislative process which takes time, but I am hopeful for the change.
The new signs should be up in mid-April.
Again, thank you everyone for your support.
Norma Santiago, El Dorado County supervisor
Norma, Hwy 50 from Arapahoe to the city limits is what? 2 miles. In that stretch is , a golf course, redi mix concrete plant, rv storage, tree trimmer, propane co., all of these business’s have large trucks and trailers entering and exiting the hiway. That stretch of road dosen’t need the extra speed. Just think about a slow Propane truck entering the hiway and an ipaired tourist running ito the back of the truck. BOOM! Reoectfully, George Machado
So has the posted speed limit within the city limits been increased from 35 to 40 mph? If so, the actual effective speed before being ticketed will now increase from 40 or 45, to 45 or 50. Will the pedestrians running across the highway from Motel 6 to the grocery store have to now run even faster to avoid being hit, especially at night?
One cannot help but wonder where the city was throughout this process.
Steve:
On February 21, 2012, Caltrans Chief Pat Kelley furnished a comprehensive presentation to the SLT City Council on this increased speed limit topic and explained all the specifics related to this matter. The City Councilmembers all stated their opposition to this increase but since Caltrans is a Federal and State highway the City has little to no control over setting the speed limits or even installing stop lights. If you want to be informed on this topic the video of Ms. Kelley’s February 21st presentation is contained on that Council agenda under Presentation and Public Hearing – Item (c) along with all the Councilmember discussion and can be viewed by going to the City’s website at http://www.cityofslt.us then clicking on the Government tab, then City Clerk, City Council Meetings Live & Archived, Watch a City Council Meeting and View Agendas, then the February 21st meeting Video.
I guess you’re right, pedestrians illegally crossing Highway 50 will need to run faster.