CDOT Media Release

CDOT to Study Effects of Speed Limit Reduction on US 36

March 29, 2010 – Northeastern Colorado/CDOT Region 4 – BOULDER COUNTY- Today, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) installed new speed limit signs reducing the speed limit from 65 MPH to 60 MPH along approximately 1.5 miles of eastbound and westbound US 36 between approximately Baseline Road and Foothills Parkway.

CDOT is reducing the speed limit for a three-year period to study the effects of the speed limit reduction on driver behavior and accidents.

This stretch of US 36 currently carries 72,100 vehicles a day and has experienced a significant increase in traffic volumes over the last couple of years. In addition, there has been a nine percent increase in median barrier collisions over a ten-year period.

“Crash rates on this portion of US 36 are not any different than other portions of US 36 or even similar types of highways, but we have seen an increase in median barrier collisions, which could be speed-related,” said CDOT Traffic Engineer Ina Zisman. “By lowering the speed limit for a three-year period, we can study the stretch and determine if speed is a factor and if the new speed limit has helped reduce median barrier collisions.”

The decision to lower the speed limit followed two speed studies in 2009 conducted by CDOT and the City of Boulder. Both studies indicated an increase in median barrier collisions and as a result, both agencies decided to temporarily decrease the speed limit to study the impacts. The Boulder Police Department will be enforcing the new speed limit along this 1.5-mile stretch of US 36.

Once the three-year study period is complete, CDOT will analyze traffic and accident data to determine if the speed limit will remain at 60 MPH or if a change is needed.