Antioch Council Discusses Traffic Safety and Speed Limits
In a recent meeting, the Antioch City Council discussed traffic calming measures and potential reductions in speed limits. The Antioch City Council reviewed a proposal to allocate $1.51 million for traffic calming enhancements on three city roads.
Following eight months since the Council instructed the staff to evaluate traffic calming options, a detailed plan has been assembled for the following streets:
- Sycamore Drive: $425k
- James Donlon Blvd (Somersville Road to Contra Loma Blvd): $220k
- James Donlon Blvd (Contra Loma Blvd to Lone Tree Way): $545k
- W 10th Street: $220k
- An additional 10% contingency for all projects.
Antioch May Lower Speed Limits on Several Streets
The Antioch City Council also addressed “Special Speed Zones” that may reduce speed limits on various city roads. At the same time, some will remain under the 85th percentile, a measure often leading to raised limits.
The recent AB 43 legislation allows a downward rounding of speed limits when warranted, challenging the previous trend of consistent increments. From June 2024, this law empowers CalTrans to introduce criteria for a 5-mph speed reduction, considering factors like collision history or areas with dense bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, if a city road hasn’t been widened since its speed limit designation, cities can opt to maintain the original or current speed limit through an ordinance.
Of the 34 segments in consideration, the Antioch City Council will focus on four roads, evaluating the potential to roll back the elevated limits from last year:
- E 18th Street – maintaining below the 85th percentile
- Cavallo Road – remaining under the 85th percentile
- James Donlon Boulevard – staying beneath the 85th percentile
- Laurel Road and Wild Horse proposed a reduction from 45 to 40 mph.
The Benefits of a Lower Speed Limit
Lowering speed limits can benefit communities, drivers, and pedestrians alike. Here are some of the primary advantages:
- Safety: A reduced speed limit can lead to fewer accidents. When vehicles travel at lower speeds, drivers have more time to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or another vehicle’s sudden maneuver.
- Reduction in Fatalities: When accidents occur at lower speeds, they are generally less severe, leading to fewer fatalities.
- Pedestrian Protection: Pedestrians stand a better chance of surviving a collision with a vehicle traveling at a reduced speed.
- Environmental Impact: Slower speeds can lead to more consistent driving, often resulting in better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Improved Quality of Life: Quieter streets can improve the quality of life for residents. Reduced vehicle speeds often result in less noise and a more peaceful environment.
- Encouragement for Alternative Transportation: With safer roads, more individuals may be encouraged to walk, cycle, or use other non-motorized transportation.
- Reduced Road Wear: Lower speeds can minimize road wear and tear, resulting in longer road life and potentially fewer repairs.
- Economic Benefits: Safer streets can increase foot traffic in commercial areas, benefiting local businesses.
- Community Connectivity: Slower traffic can help knit communities together, making it easier and safer for people to cross streets and interact with neighbors.
- Reduction in Post-Crash Costs: Lower speeds result in fewer severe crashes, which can reduce the financial burden related to medical expenses, property damages, and insurance costs.
While there can be some resistance to lowering speed limits due to concerns about increased travel times or perceived inconvenience, the overall benefits to safety, the environment, and community well-being often outweigh these concerns.
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