Snohomish Council Evaluates Traffic Safety and Speed Limit Changes

The Snohomish City Council convened on Tuesday to address significant traffic safety issues, focusing on speed limit adjustments and driver behavior. City staff presented comprehensive analyses that revealed 78% of vehicles on major routes are traveling at speeds between 35. 8 and 45. 8 miles per hour. Importantly, most accidents reported by WSDOT occurred in zones with lower speed limits, suggesting that excessive speeding is not the leading cause of crashes.

Council members proposed reducing the city-wide speed limit to 25 miles per hour and discussed the necessity of conducting a speed study, especially along the Bickford corridor. Public safety risks at intersections, particularly Pilchuck Drive and Maple Avenue, were also raised as concerns. The council acknowledged the need for active enforcement from the police department to ensure the effectiveness of any new speed limits. Next steps include engaging with the community for feedback and considering additional pedestrian safety measures in high-traffic areas. The council plans to reconvene to further review these proposals in the upcoming weeks.