By Rich Larson
Northfield residents will get their first look at proposed new speed limits for city streets next week as the city’s Speed Limit Study enters its second round of public review.
The city will hold an open house Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hasse Ryt-Way Arena, 1900 Cannon Road. According to a city release issued Monday, attendees will be able to review preliminary findings from the study’s first data-gathering phase, look at the data collected and see how earlier community feedback helped shape the proposed limits.
Residents who cannot attend can also comment through an interactive map on the city’s website.
The $74,000 study examines current vehicle speeds, crash and safety data and community opinions. It follows a 2019 change in Minnesota law that gave cities authority to set speed limits on streets under their jurisdiction. State statute also requires cities to adopt a policy defining the procedures they use to set those limits.
Northfield’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan calls for lowering posted speeds citywide and designing streets to encourage slower driving, with the goal of improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. City officials have said lower speeds can reduce the severity of crashes, particularly those involving people on foot or on bikes.
The idea has drawn some skepticism. When the Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee previously examined the issue, members questioned whether changing signs alone would change driver behavior. Police officials noted that many crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists happen at intersections rather than on the residential streets where lower limits might apply. Concerns were also raised about inconsistent speed limits for drivers traveling between communities.
Several other Minnesota cities have already adopted 20 or 25 mph limits on some local streets.
The study’s first community meeting was held Sept. 3 at Northfield City Hall, where residents reviewed the street network and safety history and suggested locations for speed data collection.
The City Council is expected to review the study’s recommendations and community feedback and could adopt a policy in December. If approved, implementation would take place throughout 2027 and include a public education campaign and new speed limit signs.
More information is available at northfieldmn.gov/Speed.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
