COLUMBUS, Ohio — The City of Columbus is reducing the speed limit in downtown as part of an effort reduce serious and fatal crashes on city street.
Columbus City Council voted unanimously Monday night to drop the speed limit in the downtown district from 35 mph to 25 mph.
“Slower vehicle speeds on our Downtown streets will save lives,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther. “This bold action advances our Vision Zero goal to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes on Columbus streets. The lower speed limit is especially supportive of safe and equitable travel by vulnerable road users who may not have access to a vehicle and must walk or bike to reach their destinations or a bus stop.”
City leaders say making drivers slow down will help make downtown Columbus safer for those who are crossing the street, cycling or taking the bus, which is the goal in order to bring more businesses and visitors downtown.
Beginning later this month and into March, new signs will be installed throughout downtown. The city says traffic signals will be retimed to support traffic flow at the reduced speed limit.
The posted speed on alleys and within school zones in downtown Columbus will not change.
Additionally, the Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) safety feature is being implemented at seven intersections to increase visibility of pedestrians crossing the street. The feature gives pedestrians a head start in the crosswalk with signals displayed up to seven seconds before motorists making left or right turns get a green light.
LPI implementation is occurring at High Street at Rich Street; Broad Street at Cleveland Avenue.; Mound Street at 3rd Street; 4th Street at Gay Street; Front Street at Mound Street; Grant Street at Town Street; and High Street at Mound Street. Additional intersections will be considered.