Last month the Snoqualmie City Council adopted Ordinance 1625, approving state-recommended speed limit modifications to Railroad Ave/SR 202 from Snoqualmie Falls through the downtown corridor.
Speed limits for this 2.5-mile stretch of SR 202 through downtown Snoqualmie – ranging between 45MPH and 30MPH – were established in 1987.
The City requested the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reduce speed limits through downtown Snoqualmie due to increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Following a WSDOT traffic study analyzing data from 2017-2021, as well as existing speed limits and traffic counts, the state recommended the following speed limit reductions for State Route 202:
- Snoqualmie Falls area to Northern Street: Lowered from 45MPH to 35MPH
- Northern Street to Newton Street: Lowered from 30MPH to 25MPH
- Newton Street to the south of Snoqualmie Middle School: Lowered from 40MPH to 35MPH
“It has been 35 years since speed limits through our downtown were last analyzed by the state,” commented Mayor Ross. “During that time, traffic has increased significantly. We believe these new speed limits will increase safety for both drivers and pedestrians in our City.”
WSDOT is responsible for posting new speed limit signs as this roadway is part of the state highway system.
The City anticipates the speed limit change occurring within the next several weeks. When the speed limit reduction becomes effective, notification signage will be posted. The City will also utilize its social media channels and website to provide additional community notification of the change.
[Information provided by the City of Snoqualmie]
Comments
This is a good move — pardon the pun! — to make sure that people are prioritized over speed. A busy and crowded downtown with many popular destinations for tourists is no place to have highway speeds.
Very good move, and long overdue!