Lower Lansdale Speed Limits Recommended by Committee

With residents' petitions delivered, and a backing by Lansdale Borough Ward Two Councilman Rich DiGregorio, the public safety committee Wednesday night recommended 2-0 the preparation and advertisement of an ordinance to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph for three roads off Norway Drive.

Lansdale Police Chief Robert McDyre estimated new signage, labor and installation would cost the borough $2,500 plus legal fees for the limit decreases requested on Concord Place, Gettysburg Drive and Monticello Place.

The three roadways are part of the neighborhood across from Wissahickon Park, one that sees use of Norway Drive and its peripherals for shortcuts and access to Montgomery Mall and Montgomeryville.

"(The roads) are currently unposted, which makes them 35. To make them 25, we'd have to pass an ordinance and then reduce the speed and mark them with the appropriate signage," said McDyre.

McDyre estimated 10 new speed limit signs would be needed for all three roads. McDyre estimated it would cost about $100 for each post and $100 to $150 for each sign.

Public Safety Committee Chairman Mike Sobel said the names on the petitions were from the actual residents of those roads whom DiGregorio spoke with regarding speeding in their neighborhood.

"The other option is a speed study," suggested McDyre, but Sobel and Councilwoman Mary Fuller said no.

The recommendation moves on to council's majority approval. Then, council will take a final vote once the ordinance is advertised for 30 days.