FOCUS AREAS
SETTING SAFE SPEEDS One of the immediate action priorities for the City of Fort Worth is developing a comprehensive policy for setting speed limits that are safer and help reduce the occurrence of KSI crashes. Following a review of national best practices and standards, the City of Fort Worth identified three tools it can use to set safe speeds citywide. A full review of national best practices and standards, and detailed recommendations can be found in Appendix D.
Based on the existing safety conditions analysis, identified goals and recommended action strategies, the Fort Worth Safety Action Plan identifies four priorities that align with the Safe System Approach elements.
1 Default Speed Limit
Establish a streamlined framework for setting speed limits based on street classification and context. This process will be supported by automated tools that analyze key data—including existing speeds, crash history, and roadway characteristics—to determine appropriate speed limits efficiently and consistently.
Setting Safe Speeds [Safe Speed] 1
2 Slow Zones
Evaluate the implementation of ‘slow zones’ in select areas with higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. These zones are typically located near schools, parks, urban villages, and downtown, where lower speed limits can help enhance safety and reduce crash severity.
Managing Truck Traffic [Safe Roads/Safe Vehicles] 2
3 Corridor Speed Limits
Adopt a more detailed, data-driven approach to setting speed limits for select corridors, including those on the High Injury Network. Utilizing a Safe Speed Study, assess current speeds, roadway characteristics, and safety data to establish appropriate speed limits that enhance safety and reduce crash risk.
Prioritizing Specific Projects [Safe Roads] 3
The City will develop a Safe Speeds Policy and Methodology that integrates these three key tools to guide speed management. As part of this policy, the City will update the ordinance to define all speed limits beyond prima facie speeds and establish guidelines for implementing variable speed limits. Additionally, the City will provide clear guidance for staff and private developers on setting safe speed limits when designing new roads, expanding existing roadways, or extending current corridors.
Implementing a Traffic Safety Campaign [Safe People] 4
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