In a move aimed at enhancing traffic safety and efficiency, the Folsom City Council has reviewed new speed limits for three major roadways following a review of data and recommendations from the city’s Public Works Department. 

The changes, reviewed on Tuesday night, will impact the following roadways; Folsom Lake Crossing, White Rock Road, and Savannah Parkway. The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 1347, an uncodified ordinance that sets prima facie speed limits based on the results of Engineering and Traffic Studies (ETS). These studies, required by state law, evaluate roadway conditions, collision history, and traffic patterns to determine appropriate speed limits that balance safety and traffic flow.

Folsom Lake Crossing: The newly approved speed limit on Folsom Lake Crossing between East Natoma Street and Folsom Dam Road is set at 45 mph. This adjustment creates a continuous speed limit of 45 mph from Empire Ranch Road and East Natoma Street to Folsom Lake Crossing and Dam Road. The section from Dam Road to Folsom Auburn Road will maintain its existing 55 mph limit which was determined to be adequate following recent safety improvements.

White Rock Road: The speed limit on White Rock Road between East Bidwell Street and Prairie City Road has been set at 60 mph. This roadway underwent significant improvements in 2022 as part of the Capital SouthEast Connector Project, expanding from a two-lane undivided road to a four-lane divided road.

Savannah Parkway: The new speed limit on Savannah Parkway, a newly created roadway from East Bidwell Street to White Rock Road, is set at 35 mph. The Traffic Safety Committee reviewed and supported this recommendation in their May 23, 2024, meeting.

The adoption of these speed limits follows the Traffic Safety Committee’s unanimous support for the changes. The committee’s analysis included evaluating the 85th-percentile speed, the speed not exceeded by 85 percent of vehicles surveyed, which typically informs the recommended speed limit, the staff report explains.

“The proper speed limit improves traffic flow and reduces conflicts between vehicles traveling at different speeds,” the Public Works Department noted in their report. “Setting appropriate limits ensures that motorists who significantly exceed the posted limits are clearly unsafe compared to the general traffic flow.”

City leaders emphasized the importance of these changes for maintaining roadway safety and improving traffic efficiency. “These new speed limits reflect our commitment to creating a safer driving environment for all residents and visitors in Folsom,” said the staff report reviewed by council members that was presented by Mark Rackovan, Public Works Director.

The new speed limits will be enforceable with radar, allowing for more effective traffic enforcement. These adjustments aim to enhance safety by preventing issues associated with artificially low or high speed limits, such as rear-end collisions and unsafe driving conditions.

A second reading of the speed limit proposal will be conducted Aug. 27, and council will then have the opportunity to officially adopt all three speed limits.

According to the staff report, the new speed limits are to take effect 30 days after its final passage and adoption.

Those unable to attend Tuesday night’s meeting that would like to learn more and see the city’s staff report in its entirely can view it HERE.