HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ - 11 NYSDOT Speed Limit Reduction CorrespondenceINEW'YORK Department of
E OFCRTUNITY. Transportation
August 10, 2023
The Honorable Kristen Rocco-Petrella
Town Clerk of Cortlandville
3577 Terrace Road
Cortland, NY 13045
Dear Ms. Rocco-Petrella:
KATHY HOCHUL
Governor
MARIE THERESE DOMINGUEZ
Commissioner
DAVID P. SMITH, P.E.
Regional Director
RE: SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION REQUEST
HIGHLAND ROAD
TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
This is in further response to your letter where you requested a speed limit reduction on
Highland Road between State Route 222 and Hoy Road, in the town of Cortlandville. NYSDOT
safety staff has completed their study.
Based on the existing roadside development, crash analysis, test drives, and radar analysis,
our investigation determined that lowering the speed limit would not be appropriate at this time.
During these test drives the engineers evaluated the reactions of other motorists on the road as
well as documented if they were able to maintain that speed based on the geometry of the road,
development density, and pedestrian activity. They determined that the appropriate speed is the
posted speed limit of 40 mph, which would be considered the prevailing free flow speed, at
which the majority of the drivers are driving. Drivers are influenced more by the appearance of
the highway and prevailing traffic speeds, rather than a posted speed limit. Setting the speed
limit at the prevailing free flow speed decreases conflicts, minimizes crashes and makes it
easier for vehicles and pedestrians to judge the speed of approaching vehicles.
Your interest in this matter is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact
me at (315) 428-4380.
Very truly yours,
Scott R. Bates, P.E., PTOE
Regional Traffic Engineer
50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232 1 vvvvvv.dot.ny.gov
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[__A U G 1 4 2023
CORTLANDVILLE
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE