Directs DOTD to reduce the speed limit on LA Highway 21 east of its intersection with LA Highway 40 at the Fifth Ward Junior High School and its intersection with LA Highway 41 in St. Tammany Parish.
Impact
The resolution acknowledges previous requests by the St. Tammany Parish School Board to reduce the speed limit in the vicinity due to safety risks. It mentions that since 2004, there have been incidents reported, including a mass casualty accident in July 2013 involving multiple vehicles that resulted in serious injuries. By lowering the speed limit, proponents expect to lessen the likelihood of accidents and improve safety for students and community members, particularly near the junior high school.
Summary
SCR6 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution aimed at improving traffic safety by directing the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to reduce the speed limit on LA Highway 21. Specifically, the resolution calls for the speed limit to be decreased from 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour near the intersection of LA Highway 40 at the Fifth Ward Junior High School and its intersection with LA Highway 41 in St. Tammany Parish. The measure responds to community concerns over a high volume of automobile accidents in the area, particularly involving large trucks that frequently exceed the speed limit.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR6 is largely positive, with strong support from local authorities and community members who see the speed limit reduction as a necessary responsive measure to enhance safety. The resolution represents a joint effort from local governance, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing traffic safety issues. However, discussions in the community may also reflect concerns regarding how the change will be enforced and its effectiveness in actually reducing traffic incidents.
Contention
While SCR6 is primarily a safety measure, some debate may arise regarding the implications of speed limit reductions on traffic flow and local business access. There could be discussions around the balance between ensuring pedestrian safety near schools and maintaining efficient transportation routes for local businesses. Overall, the resolution aims to directly respond to local safety concerns, and any contention appears to be about the implementation and effectiveness rather than the overarching goal of improving community safety.
Urges and requests DOTD to study four laning La. Highway 30 from its intersection with La. Highway 42 to the intersection of US Highway 61 in Ascension Parish
Requests DOTD to install a red light at the intersection of North Acadia Road on La. Highway 648 (Percy Brown Road) in Lafourche Parish and to reduce the speed along this route
Requests DOTD to take action to provide greater safety to the motoring public at the intersection of Thomas Road and Scenic Highway and the I-10 west entry ramp at Exit 157B on Acadian Thruway, both in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Directs the Dept. of Transportation and Development to install caution lights and to reduce the speed limit on certain highways (OR +$33,020 SD EX See Note)