Speed Limit Reduction on FM 2493

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday reduced the current 55 mph speed limit on a portion of FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Highway) to 50 mph. According to a city news release, the decision was based on the combination of traffic accident data and a speed study along FM 2493. The new speed limit will begin just north of Rice Road and will extend to the south city border, just south of Stewart Funeral Home. Drivers will have to start slowing down when the new speed limit signs go up, which officials say should be soon.

City Code Section 17-30.c. states that the Traffic Safety Board shall make recommendations to the City Council through the Traffic Engineer regarding safety as it deems necessary. On Dec. 5, the Traffic Safety Board had discussions regarding the proposed reduction in the speed zone based on the results from a Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) speed study conducted in November. As a result of the study provided by TXDOT, the Traffic Safety Board voted to recommend approval of amending Chapter 17 Section 17-63 (Designated Speed Limits on Specific Streets) of the City of Tyler Code of Ordinance to reflect the change in speed limit.

“Old Jacksonville Highway has seen a lot of intense development in the last several years and the speed limit needs to be adjusted to account for the additional traffic,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “From the analysis of the study we believe reducing the speed on this road will improve driver safety.”