Hello,
I drive down a stretch of highway 59/69 from north Houston to downtown almost every day. The PSL is 60 but no one ever goes 60. I'm trying to get a hold of the speed study done for this highway since I believe it is artificially low for revenue reasons (LEOs sit on this stretch of road constantly)
Does anyone in Texas or more exactly Houston know how to get a hold of these studies. From what I understand the PSL must be within 5 mph of the 85th percentile.
Chapter 2B - MUTCD 2009 Edition - FHWA
12. When a speed limit within a speed zone is posted, it should be within 5 mph of the 85th-percentile speed of free-flowing traffic.For those who are not familiar with this stretch of highway and want to input their opinion, (59) is a highway that runs from Nuevo Laredo, TX up to Arkansas and continuing on. When 59 almost reaches Houston city limits it doubles at I69 and then terminates at the other side of the city limits. Through Houston it is a fairly straight and flat highway with at least 3 lanes of traffic in either direction expanding at times to 5 lanes. There is a full sized shoulder on either side with a cement barrier and a separate HOV lane separating the direction of traffic for most of its length. The PSL on i69 in rural north Houston is 65 and as soon as it enters Houston it turns into a 60.16. Other factors that may be considered when establishing or reevaluating speed limits are the following:
A. Road characteristics, shoulder condition, grade, alignment, and sight distance;
B. The pace;
C. Roadside development and environment;
D. Parking practices and pedestrian activity; and
E. Reported crash experience for at least a 12-month period.
Like I said, a majority of traffic on this stretch of road does at least 75 throughout.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks
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