Speed limit changes approved for Mt. Pleasant

Contact: Anita Richardson 989-754-0878, ext. 227

Agency: Transportation

October 13, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan State Police, in cooperation with the city of Mt. Pleasant, recently approved speed limit changes along Mission Street (US-127 Business Route) and High Street (M-20) in Isabella County.

The speed limit changes are in accordance with nationally recognized 85th percentile speed principles. The adjustments are being made in an effort to set safe and enforceable speed limits.

"The Michigan State Police and MDOT conducted speed studies to determine and recommend the safest speed limits for these highways." said MDOT's Mt. Pleasant Transportation Service Center Manager Terry Palmer. "Setting realistic speed limits are important for safe highways."

As a result of the traffic survey conducted in Mt. Pleasant, speed limits will be adjusted in areas where speed modifications were shown to be necessary.

"We expect to begin posting new speed limit signs by the end of this week, if the weather permits." said Palmer. "Once a sign is placed, the approved modification will be in effect."

Following the implementation of these modifications, posted speed limits for the city of Mt. Pleasant will be as follows:

US-127 Business Route (Mission Street):

45 mph from Bluegrass Road to Preston Street
40 mph from Preston Street to Pickard Street
45 mph from Pickard Street to the north junction of US-127 BR and Mission Road

M-20 (High Street):

45 mph from Lincoln Road to 200' west of Douglas Street
35 mph from 200' west of Douglas Street to US-127 BR
25 mph school zone from Fancher Street to 1000' west of US-127 BR

For information concerning the basis for speed limit, traffic controls, and state guidelines for establishing reasonable and safe speed limits, visit the Michigan State Police Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123--16169--,00.html , http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Establishing_Realistic_Speedlimits_85625_7.pdf . or http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123--87384--,00.html

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