Berrien County government officials are working with the Michigan State Police to address speed concerns on area roadways, but so far, progress appears slow-going.
Thanks to a new state law, Public Act 33, local townships and road departments are supposed to have more say in setting the speed limits on local roads, but they still need changes approved by the Michigan State Police. To date, guidance on how to go about getting MSP approval has been slim. That’s according to Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette who says the Board of Commissioners is anxious to see speed concerns addressed.
“Michigan State Police and the Michigan County Road Association have been a little bit slow to adopt the changes and provide clear guidance. We’ve had good conversations with the Michigan State Police. They have provided some guidance.”
County officials say as it stands, Michigan State Police speed studies often result in an increase in the speed limit of a measured road – and that’s because speeds are set based on how fast 85 percent of motorists travel. Dissette says additional factors must be considered including residential, commercial, and pedestrian traffic.
“Lincoln Township, Chikaming Township, they’ve both been fairly active, that they’d like to have the speed studies conducted in an effort to try and lower the approved speeds.”
Among those first on the list for consideration for lower speed limits: Ridge, Roosevelt, and Glenlord roads and Washington Avenue. Dissette says the County will continue working with MSP on the matter and they expect more speed study requests next spring.
