Speed limits on the UCCS campus have increased to 20 mph in areas where there are crosswalks and frequent pedestrian traffic and 25 mph on roadways with lower pedestrian traffic. All parking lots will remain 10 mph. Speed limit signs have been changed, and the new speeds are in effect across campus.
UCCS Police expect the updated speed limits will increase safety and compliance across campus. Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that most drivers ignore speed limits they perceive as unrealistically low. Speed limits set too low may actually decrease the overall safety of the roadway. With drivers on UCCS roadways averaging speeds of 20 mph, the new posted limits should increase compliance with traffic laws by setting speeds at a more reasonable level.
The updated speed limits will also decrease the wait times between UCCS shuttle stops and increase the number of shuttle routes running daily. Transportation time will decrease by two and a half minutes between Gateway Hall and Alpine Village, significantly increasing the number of shuttle runs per day.
UCCS’ current speed limits are posted at five miles per hour in parking garages and 10 mph campus-wide. The limits were posted when the only roads on the UCCS campus ran through or connected parking lots. Spine Road and Regent Circle are posted at 25 mph, as they are labelled and governed by the city of Colorado Springs and reflect municipal roadway guidelines.
Although not required by Colorado traffic laws – which only apply to state highways, county roads and city streets – the updated speed limits will bring UCCS closer to state-wide speed standards. Colorado sets speed limits to 20 mph in winding, narrow mountain highways, blind curves and school zones, 25 mph in central business districts and 30 mph in residential areas.
UCCS Police will provide a safety study to Chancellor Reddy at the end of the year to determine if the speed limit increases will become permanent.