AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2018-24, on the first of two readings, reducing the speed limit to 30 miles per hour from the present speed limits of 35 and 45 miles per hour along the sections of Hopkins Street and Hunter Road located between Guadalupe Street (Loop 82) and Wonder World Drive (RM 12); authorizing the installation of signs and traffic control devices reflecting such new speed limit; directing that the traffic register maintained under Section 82.067 of the San Marcos City Code be amended to reflect such new speed limit; and, including procedural provisions.
Body
Meeting date: 8/7/2018
Department: Public Services - Transportation
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $500
Account Number: 10006147.53230
Funds Available: $500
Account Name: Signs-Traffic
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: City of San Marcos assumed control and maintenance from TxDOT for portions of Hopkins Street and Hunter Road in 2017.
City Council Goal: [Please select goal from dropdown menu below]
Goal #2 Beautify & Enhance the Quality of Place
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Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
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☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
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☒ Transportation - Multimodal transportaion network to improve accessibility and mobility, minimize congestion and reduce pollution
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Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Vision San Marcos - A River Runs Through Us
Background Information:
In 2017, TxDOT removed portions of Hopkins Street and Hunter Road from Guadalupe Street (Lp 82) to Wonder World Drive (RM 12) from the state highway system and transferred control, jurisdiction, and maintenance to the City of San Marcos.
Pursuant to Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.352, the prima facie speed limit for any street in an urban district is 30 mph. However, the Texas Transportation Commission can alter the speed limit based on the results of an engineering and traffic investigation.
As a state roadway, TxDOT altered the speed limits on Hopkins Street and Hunter Road between Guadalupe Street and Wonder World Drive to 35 mph and 45 mph respectively. However, this stretch of road is characterized by a combination of historical, residential, restaurant, and retail properties which generate significant bike and pedestrian activity.
A speed limit reverting back to the original prima facie speed limit of 30 mph established by state law is reasonable and prudent for the urban area stretch of Hopkins Street and Hunter Road.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Approve a speed limit change to 30 mph.