The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
City raises speed limits along Maple Road
Police chief says superintendent of schools supports change
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: August 21, 2008
The speed limit on North Maple Road, between Clark Street and Woodland Drive, has increased from 30 to 35 mph and, between Woodland Drive and the northern city limits, from 30 to 40 mph.
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The posted speed on North Maple, from Michigan Avenue to Clark Street, in front of the post office, will remain 25 mph.
Saline City Council approved the traffic control order Aug. 11 at the recommendation of Saline Police Chief Paul Bunten, who headed a committee to study the viability of the increase, bringing the Saline roadway into compliance with state law.
Bunten said that 2006 changes in Michigan Vehicle Code require that the speed limit on a street is based on the speed that 85 percent of drivers routinely travel on that stretch.
In the last 45 days alone, 15 speeding tickets were issued on the stretch of Maple Road, indicating drivers typically travel at a higher speed there.
Other relevant physical factors, such as usage, access and pedestrian traffic, contribute to the decision on a posted speed.
Bunten formed a Speed Limit Committee a year ago and studied data collected by the Department of Public Works along North Maple Road, which handles a large volume of traffic.
New, larger traffic signals have been installed at the intersection at Maple and Clark, along with a count-down pedestrian signal, making the area safer.
"We talked to Saline Schools Superintendent Scot Graden, who supports the speed limit," Bunten said.
Saline Middle School faces North Maple Road in the new 35 mph zone.
The change became effective Aug. 11.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
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