COLUMBUS, Ohio — A reminder for drivers traveling through downtown Columbus to slow down as the speed limit has officially been reduced to 25 mph. Crews were spotted Wednesday morning replacing the 35 mph signs.
The move comes after Columbus City Council approved the change in February as part of an effort to reduce serious and fatal crashes on city streets.
City leaders said making drivers slow down will help make downtown Columbus safer for those who are crossing the street, cycling or taking the bus, which is the goal in order to bring more businesses and visitors downtown.
The city says traffic signals will be retimed to support traffic flow at the reduced speed limit. The posted speed on alleys and within school zones in downtown Columbus will not change.
Additionally, the Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) safety feature is being implemented at seven intersections to increase visibility of pedestrians crossing the street. The feature gives pedestrians a head start in the crosswalk with signals displayed up to seven seconds before motorists making left or right turns get a green light.
LPI implementation is occurring at High Street at Rich Street; Broad Street at Cleveland Avenue.; Mound Street at 3rd Street; 4th Street at Gay Street; Front Street at Mound Street; Grant Street at Town Street; and High Street at Mound Street. Additional intersections will be considered.
The city says lowering the downtown speed limit is a strategy identified in the first Vision Zero Columbus Action Plan, which was adopted in 2021. Development of the second plan is underway to identify and advance more strategies.