FOLSOM — Drivers on several Folsom roadways will soon notice new speed limit signs after the City Council gave final approval Tuesday night to an ordinance establishing updated limits based on engineering surveys and state requirements.
On a unanimous consent calendar vote, the council adopted Ordinance No. 1356, setting “prima facie” speed limits on six roadway segments, including East Bidwell Street, Westwood Drive, Alder Creek Parkway, Grand Prairie Road, and Mangini Parkway. The changes follow months of analysis by the city’s Public Works Department, which conducted traffic engineering surveys to determine safe and enforceable limits.
Public Works Director and City Engineer Rebecca Neves explained in her staff report that state law requires local jurisdictions to conduct Engineering and Traffic Surveys (ETS) whenever new roadways open or when traffic conditions change significantly. These surveys measure actual travel speeds, roadway design, and adjacent land uses. The results determine a speed limit that balances safety with traffic flow.
“Speed limits are set to establish a uniform speed that allows traffic to safely traverse a given road segment,” Neves wrote. “Artificially low limits can create safety problems, while artificially high limits can be unsafe under normal roadway and environmental conditions. If a proper speed limit is posted, those motorists who significantly exceed the posted limit are considered unsafe compared to the general traffic flow and can be cited.”
The newly approved ordinance establishes a 30 mph speed limit on Westwood Drive between Alder Creek Parkway and Mangini Parkway, where surrounding neighborhoods, sidewalks, bike lanes, and frequent residential driveways create higher pedestrian activity and multiple conflict points. On Alder Creek Parkway, the council approved a 35 mph limit between Westwood Drive and Rustic Ridge Circle, where Neves noted “high pedestrian activity occurs due to nearby park access, with crossing activity at uncontrolled locations.”
A 35 mph speed limit is also now set on Mangini Parkway between Savannah Parkway and Empire Ranch Road. This corridor is lined with residential neighborhoods, unsignalized intersections, and driveways, which Neves explained “contribute to potential turning conflicts” and warrant a lower posted limit within the city’s pace range. Grand Prairie Road between Summit Street and Alder Creek Parkway has also been designated at 35 mph, reflecting the roadway’s geometry and adjacent residential uses.
Newly adopted speed limits in the City of Folsom:
Westwood Drive (Alder Creek Parkway to Mangini Parkway): 30 mph
Alder Creek Parkway (Westwood Drive to Rustic Ridge Circle): 35 mph
Mangini Parkway (Savannah Parkway to Empire Ranch Road): 35 mph
Grand Prairie Road (Summit Street/Rustic Ridge Circle to Alder Creek Parkway): 35 mph
Mangini Parkway (East Bidwell Street to Oak Avenue Parkway): 35 mph
East Bidwell Street (U.S. 50 eastbound off-ramp to White Rock Road): 45 mph
Another section of Mangini Parkway, this one between East Bidwell Street and Oak Avenue Parkway, will also carry a 35 mph limit under the new ordinance. The highest speed adjustment affects East Bidwell Street between the U.S. 50 eastbound off-ramp and White Rock Road, where the council approved a 45 mph limit.
Neves’ report emphasized that such surveys not only guide the appropriate limits but also ensure enforcement can be maintained. “If a proper speed limit is posted,” she explained, “those motorists who significantly exceed the posted limit are considered unsafe compared to the general traffic flow and can be cited. Further, an ETS allows speed limits to be enforced with radar.”
The studies, which examined roadway geometry, collision history, pedestrian activity, and prevailing speeds, were reviewed by the city’s Traffic Safety Committee in June before moving forward to council approval. The ordinance was introduced at the council’s August 26 meeting and returned this week for its second and final reading.
No financial impacts are expected from the adoption of the new limits outside of signage updates that will follow. The ordinance becomes effective in 30 days, after official publication.
With the adoption, Folsom ensures radar enforcement remains valid along the designated corridors, aligning city law with California Vehicle Code and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
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