Lacey council members vote to reduce speed limits in northeast part of city

The Lacey City Council on Thursday night voted 6-1 to reduce speed limits in northeast Lacey, taking a step to make roadways safer as more residential development and a new middle school come to the area.

Councilman Michael Steadman voted against the resolution, but not because he didn’t think it was good idea. Instead, he said he felt compelled to vote against it because too many of his constituents asked him not to support the resolution.

Steadman lives in northeast Lacey.

“The people who live out there have told me, overwhelmingly, they do not want to see a reduction in the speed limit,” he said. “I feel I have to represent them.”

The following streets will have speed limits reduced to 35 mph from 40 mph:

▪ All of 41st Avenue Northeast.

▪ Marvin Road from Britton Parkway north.

▪ All of Orion Drive.

▪ All of Willamette Drive.

Public Works Director Scott Egger said the new speed limits will take effect in about 90 days. Prior to that, signs will be put up to warn drivers about the pending change, he said.

Although Egger described the council’s vote as a proactive step to improve school and pedestrian safety, the intersection at Hogum Bay Road and Willamette Drive Northeast has generated complaints from drivers who say it is too difficult to cross because of speeding drivers.

In addition to lowering the speed limit on Willamette Drive, the city expects to move ahead on building a new roundabout at that intersection next year, Egger said.

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 11:17 PM with the headline "Lacey council members vote to reduce speed limits in northeast part of city."