Councilwoman Margaret Chin Calls for New 25 MPH Speed Limit Signs Along South Street

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Photo: TH

In a couple weeks (November 7), the city speed limit will shift to the lower default of 25 mph, following legislation that was recently passed into law. Councilwoman Margaret Chin is on the offensive, demanding proper street signage for the most dangerous traffic corridors. In a letter to DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, she singles out the need for speed limit markers around the entrances and exits of the FDR Drive as well as lower portions of West Street.

The prime example employed which warrants signage along South Street was the tragic accident that transpired in the intersection of Rutgers Street on August 28. You’ll recall that three elderly women were hit while walking through the crosswalk. The driver had reportedly been accelerating toward the entrance to the FDR Drive. One of the pedestrians subsequently died.

Chin noted, “I am requesting this new signage because it is clear that too many drivers move at unsafe speeds at these locations, generally because they do not differentiate between the highway pace of the FDR Drive and the slower pace of South Street, and because they also do not differentiate between the ‘West Side Highway’ pace of uptown and the pedestrian-centric crossing areas that dominate West Street throughout Lower Manhattan.”

CM Chin's Letter to DOT for 25mph Signage