The City of Rochester recently reduced the speed limit from 35 miles per hour (mph) to 25 mph in the downtown corridor, adding new signage to all major points of entry.

According to Chief Gary Boudreau, Rochester Police Department, the speed limit was changed due to concerns raised by residents, pedestrians, and downtown business owners.

One business owner, who attended a recent Public Safety Committee meeting, told members that utilizing crosswalks can be dangerous at times, stating that pedestrians struggle to cross safely due to the speed of oncoming traffic.

The main issue, and general consensus of public input, was that there were not enough speed limit signs in the downtown corridor, with one of the closest being located in the area of Burger King on North Main Street.

“We had several people come to committee meetings, advocating for additional signs and a lower speed limit,” said Boudreau. “We’ve found that although most motorists follow the speed limit, there are enough outliers to warrant a speed limit reduction and additional signs.”

Boudreau says the Department of Public Works recently placed 25 mph signs at all major arteries of downtown.

“We want to make sure motorists are aware of the new signs and the speed limit reduction,” said Boudreau. “25 mph is the appropriate speed for a downtown area with several crosswalks. We’ve had tragedies at crosswalks in the past and it’s up to all of us to drive safely and keep pedestrians in mind, especially in high-density areas.”