COLORADO SPRINGS – With traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs hitting an all-time high, efforts are now being made to make the roads safer for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
You’ll need to pay closer attention to the speed limit signs along four roadways in the Springs. Starting on Thursday, the speed limit will be reduced by five miles per hour on Academy Blvd. The speed limits on Centennial Blvd., Flying W Ranch Road and 21st Street will also be reduced by the end of November.
· Academy Boulevard- Pikes Peak Avenue to Milton Proby Parkway: 50 mph to 45 mph
· Centennial Boulevard- North of Garden of the Gods Road: 40mph to 35 mph
· Flying W Ranch Road- Centennial Boulevard to 30th Street: 35mph to 30mph
· 21st Street- Lower Gold Camp Road to US 24 West: 40mph to 35mph
The city has seen the increase in speed average about 10-miles an hour over the limit. Kathleen Krager, Colorado Springs city traffic engineer says the greater speed a vehicle is traveling at the time of a crash, the greater chance it will result in serious bodily injury or death. She believes reducing the limit will create more predictability and provide more reaction time for everyone using the roads.
In September, the City launched a traffic safety campaign, “Focus on Safety” to remind roadway users of the positive behaviors that can save lives. Click here for more information.
Police are increasing speed enforcement at various locations starting this month and running through September 19th, 2019. They were awarded a federal grant awarded by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Additionally, the CSPD will also be implementing the red light traffic safety camera program in the near future to reduce the number of motorists running red lights at four pre-identified locations around town.
