[MissoulaGov] On speed limits

[Jed Taylor]

I had some problems following the presentation on speed limits at the
committee meeting on Wed. via MCAT because the mix from the mics really
emphasized the lower frequencies of voice.  Men's voices in particular
tended to be just a rumble.  If the audio system has a mixer, it would be
helpful to adjust for this.  And if it doesn't, perhaps one could be added
so what's broadcast is clearly audible.  I think it's great that this stuff
is broadcast, and the MCAT stuff is a new discovery for me that's quite
educational.  Some attention to production quality could make it even
better.
 
Is it the position of the Public Works department that road design needs to
be modified to achieve a reduction in speed?  And that a speed limit can't
be changed without a study being conducted?  Is this a state law that
Missoula has to follow?  Sure, what's posted should match what's on the
books, but isn't it up to the Council to decide what that should be?
 
I don't understand why the council can't simply say, "We want the speed
limit on Easy Street between point A and point B to be X."  Just because a
street has been designed to permit speeds of a certain limit, and just
because at one time this limit was acceptable for the conditions around the
street, a common-sense perspective of how things have changed as well as
municipal legislative desire should be sufficient to enact a change.  What
am I missing here?
 
Pam's example of the speed limit on outbound Broadway going from 35 to 45
just before the new stop light at Palmer not making any sense is an
excellent one.  It should take about 30 seconds to recognize that someone
needs to pull that sign from its current location and replant it about 100
yards on the other side of the light.  Seriously, does the city really need
to spend the money on a study and wait until the time's available to conduct
one to do what should take a crew of no more than two no more than an hour
to accomplish?  Can't PW send someone out with a GPS to mark the current and
new spots, submit the change to Council for approval, and make it happen?
 
 


  _____  

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi 

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