The City of Des Moines – in coordination with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and adjacent agencies – has reduced the speed limit on Pacific Highway South (SR-99), from 45MPH to 40MPH, effective Monday, July 18, 2022.
“This reduction of the speed limit is intended to address traffic and safety concerns along the Pacific Highway South corridor,” the city said in a statement.
The city added:
“Since major improvements to the corridor in 2005, a significant increase in development and pedestrian activities, including Sound Transit expansion, have taken place.
“The reduction of the speed limit from 45MPH to 40MPH acknowledges the increased conflicts due to growth while seeking to provide a safe corridor for all users.”
This seems rather needless to me.
Reasons stated as “…Since major improvements to the corridor in 2005, a significant increase… in pedestrian activities, including Sound Transit expansion, have taken place.
“The reduction of the speed limit from 45MPH to 40MPH acknowledges the increased conflicts due to growth while seeking to provide a safe corridor for all users.”
First of all, there should be no “pedestrian activities” on Pac Hwy. There are cross walks!!! Why are the rest of us law abiding citizens penalized because a few others don’t give a crap about making problems for the general public by thinking they can just selfishly walk out into traffic at any time.
Secondly, how in the world does the “Sound Transit expansion” interfere with traffic flow on Pac Hwy. Are the tracks now going to run on Pac Hwy???
I would love to see the study data that proves that a 5 MPH decrease in traffic speeds will make any difference. I would think enforcing J-walking laws would be useful.