The current speed limit is nothing but a blatant speed trap/revenue maker for Newton. It is outrageous to have a speed limit of 30 mph on this well paved, well lit, 4 lane road.
First of all, it's a state road. Second, the state laws for setting speed limits have special exceptions for DCR (formerly MDC) "pleasure" roads. Take your complaints to the state.
I agree that the speed limit on this road is too low. On the lower part of this road the speed limit is 40 and once you turn onto Beacon St (only 2 lanes plus more traffic lights) it's 35.
You are citing State Law. I am citing Federal Law, CFR-Title 23 655.601 through 655.603 and MUTCD. This is a complicated subject, but try this reference -
motorists.org ranks up there with white power websites, biased against established procedures like traffic calming and ignorant of non-motorist safety. Hardly a credible source. You'll have to do better.
The MUTCD contains guidelines for roadway markings. Yes, the 85th percentile rule is generally what is codified by MGL (see section 17) The MDC roadway is the exception. The state ultimately controls the speed limits placed on local roads. Period. Ask any traffic engineer in MA.
What purpose does it serve to have a speed limit set at 30 mph when either end of this .5 mile long stretch of road has higher speed limits? It just sticks of setting a low speed limit for the sake of raising money through citations.
Agreed. Should be raised to 35 MPH but not higher given the blind hill where cars who cross the center line smash head on and various entrances and exits and curves and water.
9 Comments
Anon (Guest)
Anon (Guest)
lsantiago (Registered User)
Pothole Explorer (Registered User)
Anon (Guest)
Pothole Explorer (Registered User)
You are citing State Law. I am citing Federal Law, CFR-Title 23 655.601 through 655.603 and MUTCD. This is a complicated subject, but try this reference -
http://www.motorists.org/speed-limits/safety-setting-limits
The five year requirement is buried somewhere in CFR-Title 23 655.601 through 655.603 and MUTCD.
Anon (Guest)
motorists.org ranks up there with white power websites, biased against established procedures like traffic calming and ignorant of non-motorist safety. Hardly a credible source. You'll have to do better.
The MUTCD contains guidelines for roadway markings. Yes, the 85th percentile rule is generally what is codified by MGL (see section 17) The MDC roadway is the exception. The state ultimately controls the speed limits placed on local roads. Period. Ask any traffic engineer in MA.
lsantiago (Registered User)
@Anon
What purpose does it serve to have a speed limit set at 30 mph when either end of this .5 mile long stretch of road has higher speed limits? It just sticks of setting a low speed limit for the sake of raising money through citations.
freddy (Registered User)