JACKSON, Wyo. — Recent requests from a community member to consider speed limit reductions in the residential area of Rodeo Drive prompted the Town Council to direct staff to begin the process of a townwide speed study during the Jan. 10 meeting.
Community member Bill Ramsay sent an email to the council in November and spoke during public comment in December, requesting the council to consider reducing the speed limit on Rodeo Drive from 25 mph to 20 mph.
Jackson Police Chief Michelle Weber presented options to the Council on how to address speed limit reductions.
Weber explained that the necessary equipment to do a speed study is unavailable in the winter months due to the cold weather and limited battery life. She also answered questions about the timeline of a townwide study compared to residential areas individually.
“I do believe there are areas in the Town of Jackson that we should reconsider speed limits, Weber said, “I think there is value in it.”
Councilor Jessica Sell Chambers asked about the PD’s capacity for enforcement if speed limits are reduced.
While enforcement is a challenge, Weber said fluctuating speed limits across town creates challenges for the general public to adhere to speed limits. She said there could be value in reducing the speed limits in residential areas, creating a clear expectation for drivers.
The Council followed Weber’s advice and ultimately decided to direct staff to bring back options for how to conduct a townwide speed study.
Weber estimated the timeline of the project to be a few months out due to weather and then another few months to complete the traffic studies.
