The City of Ithaca will begin lowering its default citywide speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph the week of Sept. 21 as Public Works crews install 116 new signs under the city’s traffic-safety policy.
The lower limit will take effect street by street as each sign is installed, rather than beginning on a single citywide date. Officials are asking drivers to watch for the new signs and adjust their speed to the posted limit.
The change applies to streets covered by Ithaca's citywide speed policy. Some state-owned roads, including portions of major state routes, may continue to carry higher posted limits.
Locations that already have limits below 25 mph will retain them. School zones are among the areas where lower existing limits may remain in place.
City officials said the change is part of a broader transportation-safety effort focused on motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. They said lower vehicle speeds can reduce the severity of crashes while creating safer conditions for people walking, biking and living in neighborhoods across Ithaca.
Acting Superintendent of Public Works Scott Gibson said city streets are shared spaces and called the lower default limit an important step toward making them safer and more welcoming.
Gibson asked drivers to slow down and pay attention while the signs are installed. He said even a difference of a few miles per hour can help prevent crashes and protect people traveling through city neighborhoods.
The rollout will continue as crews work through the 116 sign locations. Drivers remain responsible for following each posted limit, including higher limits on certain state routes and lower limits in specially designated areas.
City officials said the new 25 mph policy is intended to encourage slower, more considerate travel and build on Ithaca's ongoing work to improve transportation safety.
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