The City of Killeen has installed new speed limit signs on Rosewood Drive, which display the recently-adopted 45 MPH speed limit.
The Killeen City Council unanimously approved the increase from 35 MPH at their Dec. 13 meeting, after an extensive traffic study and report by city staff.
Staff initially began a speed and traffic analysis in January 2022. The results of the findings were based highly on the “85th Percentile,” which is used to help determine proper speeds on the majority of roadways by showing the speed at or below which 85% of the vehicles are traveling in non-heavy traffic conditions.
Two segments of the Rosewood Drive were analyzed by engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates. Their study found that more than 80% of drivers were already driving over the 35 MPH speed, and the average speed was above 40 MPH. They recommended the increase to 45 MPH.
“When this change is made, it will be safer,” City Manager Kent Cagle told the City Council on Tuesday. “One of the greatest creators of accidents is when you have a speed limit set too low. People drive the speed they feel comfortable at, and you have people trying to drive the speed limit. When you have too much variation in speed, that creates more accidents than anything.”
To view the full City Council workshops and meetings, please visit www.KilleenTexas.gov/CouncilMeetings.