By Joe Reavis

Staff Writer

news@wylienews

Wylie City Council dealt with three street issues last week, two construction upgrades, and the third, a change in the speed limit.

The council met in regular session Tuesday, Jan. 26. Other business included accepting annual financial audits for the city and Wylie Economic Development Corporation, and accepting a $13,370 donation from Wylie Advocates for Senior Activities.

Taking up the most time was a discussion to lower the speed limit on E. Brown Street, from SH 78 to W.A. Allen Blvd, from 40 miles per hour to 30 mph. The speed limit change was pulled out of the consent agenda items for discussion at the request of David Dahl, Place 6.

Dahl questioned whether 30 mph was an appropriate speed and pointed out that speed limits are different on several nearby streets, which could lead to some driver confusion. He suggested that the limit be set at 35 mph on E. Brown near SH 78, and then brought down to 30 mph.

City Engineer Chris Holsted pointed out that speed limits are generally established at the speed driven by 85 percent of motorists on a street, taking into account the design of a road and sight lines. He also noted that some nearby streets are owned and maintained by Collin County, which sets those speed limits.

Councilmember William Whitney, Place 5, questioned whether there has been a traffic study conducted on E. Brown and whether dropping the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph will improve safety. Whitney suggests that better signage, possibly speed limit signs with flashing lights, or a sign on Kreymer Ave. warning motorists of cross traffic, would make the area safer.

Holsted reported that the suggestion of looking at lowering the speed limit on E. Brown was made to the city from residents of Kreymer Estates that has access points on E. Brown.

On a motion by Todd Wintters, Place 3, seconded by Dahl, the council voted 4-1 to lower the E. Brown speed limit to 30 mph. Whitney opposed the motion.

The council authorized City Manager Mindy Manson to execute an interlocal agreement with North Texas Municipal Water Supply for reconstruction of Eubanks Lane from SH 78 to the NTMWD facility entrance. The agreement calls for the water district to pay 85 percent of construction costs.

Holsted reported that the city will provide engineering for the project, at a cost of $387,000, and will be responsible for a total of $698,000 of the estimated $2.017 million project. NTMWD will fund $1.319 million.

For full story see The Wylie News at http://www.etypeservices.com/Wylie%20NewsID245/default.aspx