Walnut Lowers Speed Limits On Six Street Segments

Motorists cruising down certain Walnut streets need to ease up on the gas pedal.

The speed limit has been lowered for six street segments in town, including much of the busy Amar Road.

The Walnut City Council last week voted to decrease the speed limit on six street segments following a state required citywide survey. The total cost to install new pavement markings and signage is $15,000.

The California vehicle code requires governmental agencies to review and update their speed limits every five years in order for the Sheriff’s Department to enforce them by radar.

Walnut last conducted a survey in 2008, according to City Engineer David Gilbertson.

The street segments affected by the changes include Amar Road from Nogales Street to Sunset Bluff Road, which was reduced to 45 mph from 50 mph; Amar Road from Sunset Bluff to Grand Avenue to 40 from 45; Camino de Teodoro from Valley Boulevard to Calle Baja to 30 from 35; Lemon Avenue from Amar to Creekside Drive to 35 from 40; Mountaineer Road from Grand to Sundowner Lane to 30 from 35; and Pierre Road from Cardin Street to Vejar Road to 30 from 35.

Walnut resident Susan Sylvester spoke against the changes, citing the cost for such a minimal decrease in the speed limit and concerns that drivers would not follow the law.

City staff and council members said that the changes were required both by law and for safety.

Gilbertson said that factors considered when changing the speed limit include road chrematistics, pace speed, roadside development and the environment, parking practices and pedestrian activities, and reported crash experience for at least a 12-month period.

Both the Amar Road segments, as well as the Lemon Avenue one, have high accident rates, he said. Camino de Teodoro is narrow and the Pierre Road segment is near Suzanne Middle School and Walnut High.

“When the speed can go down, it’s a good thing,” he said.

What do you think of the changes to the speed limits? Tell us in comments.