Members of the Ridgefield City Council reviewed and approved proposals in September and October to adjust speed limits on specific road segments

In response to detailed safety and engineering studies, the city of Ridgefield will implement new speed limits on several key roads in late November.

Members of the Ridgefield City Council reviewed and approved proposals in September and October to adjust speed limits on specific road segments. These adjustments are part of a comprehensive safety study targeting city collectors and arterials, with a focus on enhancing safety along curved road sections and promoting the well-being of all road users. An accompanying engineering analysis also assessed existing road characteristics in accordance with 2023 speed limit guidelines from the Department of Transportation.

The council members aimed to balance safety with efficient traffic flow. Considerations included prevailing speeds (the speed at or below which 85% of drivers travel), collision history, the presence of bicycles and pedestrians, on-street parking, changes in traffic volume, and roadway features such as width and curves. Their discussion also considered maintaining speed limit patterns that are consistent and predictable, and therefore easy to follow for drivers, throughout the city.

Speed Limit Changes

• Pioneer Street: The speed limit on Pioneer will be reduced from 40 to 35 mph to align with its transition from a state highway to a city arterial. The street has seen increased traffic levels, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists. The change will make the speed limit of Pioneer consistent with other city arterials, like Union Ridge Parkway, Royle Road, and Hillhurst Road. The downtown segment of Pioneer will remain unchanged at 25 mph.
  • Please note, the temporary work zone speed limit of 25 mph is still in effect on Pioneer Street between Royle Road and 56th Place for the Pioneer Widening project.
• Gee Creek Plateau Corridor: The ordinance designates S 15th Street/S 35th Place/S 10th Way/S 25th Place west of Royle Road as a scenic collector with a speed limit of 25 mph.
• Union Ridge Parkway: The newly completed extension from S 5th Street north to Pioneer is set at 35 mph, while the future extension north into the Clark College campus area, from Pioneer to 10th Street, will be limited to 25 mph.
• S 4th Way: A 20 mph speed limit has been set for the section between S 21st Place and S 25th Place, matching the speed for the Bertsinger corridor.

Members of the City Council considered these proposals over four separate regular meetings, and adopted Ordinance No. 1430 on Oct. 24, 2024. The speed limits will be effective Nov. 28, 2024, and Public Works will install revised speed limit signs after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Information provided by the city of Ridgefield.