You are Still Free To Cruise 45 mph Down Sherwood Way

It seems some area residents are addicted to speed...the speed limit that is. The economic boomtimes has San Angelo stretching out down Sherwood Way towards Mertzon with more traffic. The decision to lower the speed limit on Sherwood Way from 45 to 40 mph was a hot topic at a recent city council meeting, and was moved to the regular agenda for discussion and a final decision yesterday morning.

"I personally think the traffic in that area is way too fast, and I’m over it,” said Councilwoman Charlotte Farmer. “At the request of a dozen business owners who are trying to operate their businesses through there, the main complaint being that the traffic is too fast for the number of cuts that go out on to Sherwood Way, out of the various little shops and centers, and the confusion of a three way stop light that is out there.  So, I assured them since I was their representative that I would ask the city and state to do a study about the needs of the traffic and work off of that recommendation.”

TxDOT reported that 85 percent of the traffic on that roadway is traveling at an average rate of 46-49 miles per hour. With added contributing factors along that roadway as San Angelo grows, such as safe access to business drive ways, TxDOT concluded that the speed limit should be lowered to 40 miles per hour.

“I was honored to take a driving course through our police department here a several years ago. I remember one of the things that they told us that statistically accidents are caused more by slow drivers than bad drivers,” Mayor Dwain Morrison said. “I just think if we change the speed limit to 40 when people are already driving 47, we can create a speed trap,” he said. “I am strongly against it.”

Councilmember Silvas agreed with the mayor. “I don’t see that it’s going to make an impact by changing it five miles [per hour downward],” he said. “I find it hard to believe that it’s going to make that much difference than it does already, so I will vote against it.”

Councilmen Fleming said he talked to two business owners and a resident along Sherwood Way and reported that they thought the speed limit should be lowered.  “When the state comes to us and gives us their advice, I think they have done these studies more than us and know more about the data, this is what they are paid to do. I think that their recommendation is not going to harm anybody,” he said.

“I agree with Councilwoman Farmer and Councilmen Fleming, and I think it’s always smart when we follow adopted guidelines,” Councilmember Grindstaff said. “When we go to the state and ask them for their assistance or advice, I think it would be ridiculous for us to do something that I want to say is from our gut rather than sound engineering principals. So, I’m in favor of this and would like to make the motion to approve this for the second time.”

The council vote turned out 4-3 against lowering the speed limit. San Angeloans remain free to cruise 45 mph down Sherwood Way.