Imperial reduces speed limit on State Route 86

The city of Imperial has reduced the speed limit of State Route 86 from 50 to 45 miles per hour.

The new speed limit for State Route 86 went into effect on May 1, 2019.
It begins at Treshill Road and stretches five miles to Ralph Road.

“For now i think it just makes people conscious, it’s no longer a freeway or expressway, it’s more for local traffic,” said Mark Baza, executive director for Imperial County Transportation commission.

In 2016 the city of Imperial took ownership of a portion of state route 86 that passes through Imperial.

The city says the change in speed is part of a transition for future plans of economic development in the area.

“They hope to create some business along the corridor, that you might have access to with your personal vehicles,” Baza said.

Baza says safe access to future business in the area, requires a reduced speed.

The city also says the new speed limit will enhance safety features for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclist.

Baza says this change is just the first step in improving traffic circulation through Imperial.

“Everybody just needs to start being conscious about their speed. The general public doesn’t go by the speed limit. They go by what they think is fair or reasonable, unless they see a police officer,” Baza said.

He says the speed limit change has been in the works for some time now, it’s a plan that other cities might get behind if they take ownership of State Route 86.

“There is a plan to relinquish all of the state highway to each of the cities,” said Baza.

According to the state department of transportation cities like El Centro and Brawley have also expressed interest in taking over the portion of State Route 86 that passes through their city.