City and citizens agree to speed limit

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Due to concerns from drivers who think that 25 miles per hour is too slow along the Dixie Drive - Central Avenue corridor, city council members heard the reading of an ordinance that would change the limit to 30 mph.

A vote on the ordinance will occur on December 11, and if approved, the new speed limit would go into effect Jan. 10.

The speed limit on the Dixie Drive-Central Avenue corridor from Elm Street to the new Manchester Road intersection was reduced to 25 mph from 35 mph on October 11.

The goal of the reduction, timed to the completion of the new Exit 47 reconstruction, was to create an environment along the corridor that was more desirable for economic redevelopment. Approximately 77 on-street parking spaces were also installed along the Dixie Drive-Central Avenue.

However, many residents voiced concerns that 25 mph was too slow for the current traffic conditions along the corridor.

Although the Ohio Revised Code calls for 25 mph limits in a business district, home rule allows municipalities to increase the limit. Traffic planners from LJB Inc., agree that a limit of 30 mph would provide safe conditions to keep the newly installed on-street parking spaces, and continue to implement new traffic-calming features described in the long-term Downtown Corridor plan.

Future phases of the plan’s implementation will include the reconstruction of the Cedar Street intersection, realignment of the bike path, and the installation of landscape improvements along the corridor.