Circle Boulevard Speed Limit Changes

Until recently, ODOT has been the sole authority authorized under state law to conduct speed zone investigations and set speed limits based on the outcome of these investigations. In recent years, the Oregon legislature amended the law to allow ODOT to delegate the authority to incorporated cities. Corvallis is not staffed to take on this responsibility and therefore continues to rely on ODOT.  Because the setting of speed limits is so highly regulated, the outcome of speed zone investigations, whether conducted by ODOT or the City, would produce the same results. The change in law only provides an option for cities to handle some of this work themselves, it does not provide for additional influence or control over the outcome.Until recently, ODOT has been the sole authority authorized under state law to conduct speed zone investigations and set speed limits based on the outcome of these investigations. In recent years, the Oregon legislature amended the law to allow ODOT to delegate the authority to incorporated cities. Corvallis is not staffed to take on this responsibility and therefore continues to rely on ODOT.  Because the setting of speed limits is so highly regulated, the outcome of speed zone investigations, whether conducted by ODOT or the City, would produce the same results. The change in law only provides an option for cities to handle some of this work themselves, it does not provide for additional influence or control over the outcome.

The City does not have the ability to change the outcome of the speed zone investigation. ODOT conducted the study per the requirements of state law which considers actual measured speeds when establishing posted speeds. However, in conjunction with ODOT performing the investigation, the City reviewed existing signs and striping on this corridor. The City is planning to implement several changes to coincide with the new speed limit signage in order to mitigate some of the concerns surrounding changes to posted speeds. When the City installs the new speed limit signs, we will also provide the following enhancements:

• New pedestrian crossing signs at the existing marked crosswalk at Lantana Drive.
• New pedestrian crossing signs at the existing marked crosswalk at Duniway Drive.
• A new marked crosswalk and pedestrian crossing signs at Dale Drive.
• New advisory speed signs added to the existing speed bump signage. Advisory speed signs will inform drivers that a speed lower than the legal limit is recommended as vehicles approach the bumps.
• A new radar speed feedback sign addressing northbound traffic as it transitions from the 35 MPH to the 30 MPH posted speed south of Witham Hill Drive

The work will be completed later this year as weather and staffing allow.