Lower speed limit could come for South Providence Road

A busy Columbia road could get a slower speed limit.

The city council will consider lowering the speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 50 mph from Mick Deaver Drive to Old Plank Road. The suggestion comes after a MoDOT traffic study in August, requested by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission.

The study shows a majority of traffic going between 50 and 60 mph. The traffic study showed speeds topping the current 55 mph limit In two spots heading north and two spots heading south. Both occurred at the bottom of the hill on Providence, near Mick Deaver Dr., and the stretch between Rock Bridge High School and Nifong Boulevard.

The report also noted that Providence Rd.’s crash rate through the last five years, greater than that of the statewide rate in the same timeframe. MoDOT wrote the stretch has expereinced two fatal crashes, seven “disabling injuries,” and 233 crashes total.

The council will vote on it as early as its December 5 meeting.