HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated November 28, 2023 ITEM#: 25
DATE: 11-28-23
DEPT: Legal
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE UPDATING SPEED LIMITS FOR OAKWOOD ROAD.
BACKGROUND:
On October 24, 2023, City Council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance establishing a 35
MPH speed limit on Oakwood Rd. from University Blvd to Timberland Rd, and 40 MPH from
Timberland Rd to State Ave. Legal has worked with Public Works to draft an ordinance for Oakwood
Road, which has been attached to this document. Also, for reference the original Council Action Form
has been provided.
Because these speed limit changes are related to the engineering design of the recently reconstructed
Oakwood Road, it is crucial to update the posted speed limits as soon as possible. This will ensure that
the desired driving speeds are established when the street is reopened to the public.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve first reading of an ordinance establishing a 35 MPH speed limit on Oakwood Road from
University Boulevard to Timberland Road, and 40 MPH from Timberland Road to State Avenue.
Staff requests that the City Council suspend the rules and approve the ordinance on second and
third readings at this time. This will help support the pedestrian and bicycle design changes made
with the recent road project.
2. Approve first reading of an ordinance establishing other speed limits on Oakwood Road from
University Boulevard to Timberland Road and from Timberland Road to State Avenue.
3. Do not approve the ordinance.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Establishing these modified speed limits will help support the pedestrian and bicycle design changes
made with the recent road construction project. With the road reopening to traffic, it is important to
establish posted limits that match the design speeds in a timely manner. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
26-Oakwood Rd Speed Limits.pdf
DRAFT ORDINANCE Oakwood Rd speed limit changes.pdf
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ITEM #: 26
DATE: 10-24-23
DEPT: PW
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: OAKWOOD ROAD SPEED LIMITS
BACKGROUND:
During development of the 2022/23 Asphalt Street Pavement Program (Oakwood Road),
area residents expressed a desire to address unsafe traffic speeds. In response, staff
collected speed data and made design adjustments where possible. The final project
includes improved pedestrian and bike crossings and better visibility at intersections
along Oakwood Road.
Based on the speed study, a speed limit reduction from 40 MPH to 35 MPH is
recommended from University Blvd to Timberland Rd, while the portion of Oakwood Road
from Timberland Rd to State Avenue will remain 40 MPH (see attached map).
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance establishing a 35 MPH speed limit on
Oakwood Rd from University Blvd to Timberland Rd, and 40 MPH from Timberland
Rd to State Ave.
2. Reject any changes to Oakwood Road speed limits.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Establishing a 35 MPH speed limit from University Blvd to Timberland Rd will help support
the pedestrian and bicycle design changes made with the recent road project. Therefore,
it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No.
1, as noted above.
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Oakwood Road Speed Limits
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING AMES
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 26.39(m) THEREOF, FOR
THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS FOR
OAKWOOD ROAD, REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is
hereby amended by amending Section 26.39(m) as follows:
"See.26.39. SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN
STREETS.
(m) Oakwood Road: €or4 (40) Thirty-five (35) miles per hour from University
Boulevard to Timberland Road, and Forty (40) miles per hour from Timberland Road to State
Avenue.
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal
infraction punishable as set out by law.
Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage
and publication as required by law.
Passed this day of 52023.
Renee Hall,City Clerk John A. Haila,Mayor
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