Speed Limit Change Coming to Douglas Avenue

Roseburg OR – Starting on September 12, 2020, the speed limit on Douglas Avenue from Dos Gatos Court to the City limits east of Lombardy Drive will be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph. New signs will soon be in place to inform motorists of the new lower speed limit. This summer, the City received several comments from concerned citizens related to the speed of vehicles traveling along Douglas Avenue. These concerns, in conjunction with increased development in the area, prompted the City to undergo the process to reduce the speed limit. The City Public Works Department submitted a formal request to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), who administers speed limit changes, to lower the speed limit by 10 mph on Douglas Avenue. In August, ODOT notified the City that the request was approved. Public Works Director Brice Perkins comments on the speed change. “With the increase in housing development, along with plans to improve pedestrian and bike travel, it made sense for the speed limit to be reduced,” says Perkins. “The City has recently submitted a Safe Routes to School grant application to ODOT, which will help us construct necessary improvements to a section of Douglas Avenue. These improvements may include new sidewalks, bike lanes and an enhanced crosswalk near Eastwood Park. Reducing the speed limit works in conjunction with these projects to improve pedestrian safety along Douglas Avenue.” For more information about the speed limit change, please contact the City of Roseburg Public Works Department at pwd@cityofroseburg.org or 541-492-6730.