FAQs
- Traffic volume
- Adjacent land use/access
- Crash history
- Lane configuration
- Multi-modal infrastructure
- Balancing local and regional traffic
Why is Edina proposing to lower speed limits?
Lower speed limits reduce the likelihood and severity of motor vehicle crashes, improving safety and mobility for all modes of transportation. This supports goals within the Comprehensive Plan, the Living Street Plan, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, and the Active Routes to School Plan.
How were the recommended speed limits chosen?
Multiple factors were taken into consideration for the new speed limits, including;
Are other cities changing their speed limits?
Yes; Minneapolis and St. Paul lowered their local speed limits in 2020 and St. Louis Park is in the process of changing theirs, as well. Nationally, other cities that have lowered local speed limits include New York City, Seattle, Portland and Boston.
Are county roads like France Avenue or Vernon Avenue going to change?
State legislation only gives the City the ability to change speed limits on local streets, or city streets. This includes about 90% of the streets in Edina. Streets that are not shown on the map include private streets and those operated by Hennepin County or the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The speed limit on those streets will remain as is unless changed by their respective owners.
When would the new speed limits go into effect?
If approved by City Council, implementation could begin as early August with completion by the end or 2021.
How is the City going to fund this initiaive?
Funding for new speed limit signs and communication efforts will come from the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund. This fund, generated via franchise fees on electric bills, primarily pays for improvements to Edina's non-motorized transportation network. This network includes sidewalks, bikeways and pedestrian safety projects.
Full cost for implementation is currently estimated at $10,000.
How will the new speed limits be enforced?
The Police Department enforces speed limits through verbal warnings and citations issued at traffic stops. The Traffic Division also uses a movable, radar speed trailer to inform drivers of their speed relative to the posted limit. Occasionally, targeted enforcement is used at specific locations during specific time frames where staff or residents have identified speed concerns.