Columbia staff conducts speed study near Battle High School

The 45 mph speed limit on Battle Avenue near the high school could soon be reduced after a speed study done by the city of Columbia staff.

According to a report from Public Works, the staff is recommending reducing the 45 mph limit to 40 mph on Battle Avenue from St. Charles Road to the north city limit.

The link to the speed study is here. Click on the agenda for the Nov. 21 City Council meeting and the speed study is under B313-16.

Kyle Whitmore, of Public Works, conducted the study on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25. He recorded the speeds through the intersection of Battle Avenue and St. Charles Road. The 85th percentile speed was usually around 45 mph, so no one was particularly speeding, but staff took future plans for the road into account.

First, the report said, the traffic on the road is mostly comprised of trips to and from the schools in the area, but that could soon change. A residential neighborhood is currently being built and will eventually increase traffic as people start going in and out of the neighborhood.

Also, a roundabout plan is in the works to be constructed at Battle Avenue and Spartan Drive.

The report indicated these are the reasons for the recommendation. The new speed signs would cost about $155.

The City Council will be looking at the recommendation at its next meeting.