Ozark, Christian County – The speed limit on Jackson Street/3rd Street (Route 14/Business 65) through downtown Ozark is set to increase to 30 mph following discussions with the city of Ozark and its Board of Aldermen, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
The new speed limit signs will go up in the downtown area during the week of July 9.
The existing speed limit on this stretch of Jackson Street/3rd Street (Route 14/Business 65) is currently posted at 25 mph.
Following a speed study conducted by MoDOT engineers last year, traffic data showed that the majority of drivers were actually traveling faster than the 25 mph posted speed limit, but with an overall safety record which is 70% better than similar routes throughout the state. Using nationally accepted methods, MoDOT recommended the speed limit increase to 35 mph.
After discussions with city staff and elected officials, MoDOT agreed to raise the speed limit by 5 mph and not 10 mph. That means near downtown, the speed limit will be raised from 25 mph to 30 mph, bringing the posted speed limit and current speeds being safely driven closer together. The Ozark Police Department has ensured MoDOT that the newly posted speed limit will be enforced. MoDOT engineers will further monitor traffic speeds and safety data and continue to work with the local community to keep local drivers and visitors to Ozark safe.
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(For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest)
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