Tempe to Hold Public Hearings on Proposed Speed Limit Reductions

Tempe City Council to review public feedback on proposed speed limit reductions.Photo byAndrew RuizonUnsplash

TEMPE— The City of Tempe is preparing to hold public hearings to discuss proposed speed limit reductions on four key roadways, aiming to align the limits with the evolving character and function of these areas, according to the City of Tempe.

The proposed changes are part of an ongoing initiative reviewed by the Transportation Commission on March 12.

Following a presentation to the City Council on May 2, a series of public meetings were held on May 15 and June 11, allowing community members to provide input.

The City Council reviewed this feedback on June 20 and subsequently directed city staff to move forward with the proposed adjustments, according to the City of Tempe.

The first of the upcoming public hearings is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Tempe City Council Chambers at 31 E. Fifth St., with a virtual attendance option available.

A second hearing, which will include a vote, is set for Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at the same location.

Residents can submit comments or request to speak at both hearings via the city’s website at tempe.gov/clerk.

The proposed changes include lowering the speed limit on the northern portion of Mill Avenue from 45 mph to 35 mph, bringing it in line with the speed limit on the Town Lake bridge, according to the City of Tempe.

College Avenue’s speed limit would be reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph between the northern city limit and Curry Road.

First Street is slated for a reduction from 35 mph to 30 mph between Ash Avenue and its western terminus.

Additionally, the speed limit on Southern Avenue would be decreased from 45 mph to 40 mph between 48th Street and the railroad tracks, according to the City of Tempe.

These adjustments are intended to create more consistent vehicle speeds along these corridors, minimizing potential conflicts and enhancing overall roadway safety.

The City of Tempe notes that the changes take into account nearby developments and are designed to "right-size" speeds in accordance with the evolving land use in these areas.

The video recording of these meeting can be accessed online and written comments can also be viewed in a PDF format.

For more information, go to tempe.gov/SpeedLimits.