Precinct 3 installing 20 mph signs in residential areas around The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX - The Precinct 3 Sign Department has been busy the second half of July installing 20 mph speed limit signs at the entrances to residential communities – improving driver and pedestrian safety throughout the area.

On July 11, Montgomery County commissioners approved setting a 20 mph speed limit on all county-maintained roads in residential communities of Precinct 3 that have residential lot frontage.

The speed limit previously varied between 20 mph and 30 mph in residential neighborhoods.

The speed limit reduction to 20 mph in Precinct 3 applies solely to county roads in unincorporated residential communities where houses face the roadway. It will not apply to the major arteries, such as thoroughfares and collectors, which move large volumes of traffic with posted speed limits generally ranging between 35 mph and 45 mph. It also does not apply to municipal, state and federal roadways and highways or streets in gated communities that are not maintained by the county.

“Our top priority in Precinct 3 is safety,” Commissioner Noack previously said. “Reducing the residential speed limit will better protect our most vulnerable – children, pedestrians, bicyclists, the elderly, and pets. “As Precinct 3 makes progress improving mobility and reducing the stress for commuters on our arterial roadways, we also want to ensure peaceful neighborhood streets.”

Transportation studies have shown that lowering the speed limit decreases the number of crashes; and if accidents do occur, the likelihood of pedestrian death and severe injury are greatly reduced.

Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson and Precinct 3 Constable Ryan Gable supported the measure – recognizing that the lower speed limit will significantly increase safety of drivers, pedestrians and especially children.

The Texas Transportation Code gives county commissioners courts the authority to alter speed limits, including a reduction to 20 mph in residential areas. Commissioners courts have been able to reduce the speed limit to 20 mph on residential roads since Senate Bill 540 was passed during the 78th Legislature in 2003 and implemented into the Transportation Code.