Council approves 40 mph speed limit

The Tyler City Council agreed this month to lower the speed limit on Old Omen Road after Cambridge residents and University students complained the crosswalk at the main campus entrance is unsafe.

As a related issue, the city also plans this summer to embed flashing lights in the pavement to alert drivers of pedestrians in the crosswalk.

“The new [speed limit] ordinance is now in effect,” Susan Guthrie, City of Tyler’s Communication officer, said April 13.

The council’s April 8 approval follows a recommendation from the Tyler Traffic Safety Board to immediately lower speeds from 45 mph to 40 mph.

The lower speed comes to the relief of University officials, who said students attempt to cross the street on foot often feel at risk.

“This [road improvements] will make it better for the city and for the campus,” said Greg Lassen, vice president for business affairs.

The issue of pedestrian safety came to light after Amy Whitehouse, vice president of Student Government Association, and Operations Director Chip Clark, told the city the crosswalk was hazardous.

Motorists often sail through the crosswalk even when students are in the roadway, the pair said.

As a result, Lassen said students were choosing to drive across the street instead of walking.

To improve safety, the city and the University agreed to jointly fund the projected $20,000 crosswalk upgrades, which includes in-pavement LED lights and new signs. “Everybody has been receptive to our concerns,” said Lassen. “I think this is a wonderful solution.”

The lower speeds apply not only to the crosswalk area on Old Omen, but also from Fifth Street to University Drive.

To implement the new ordinance, the city has already posted new speed limit signs.