Community Protests Proposed Speed Limit Increases

DOWNIEVILLE — On Tuesday, over 40 community members and other concerned citizens showed up at the Downieville Courthouse for a public hearing about the proposed raising of speed limits on the east side of Sierra City. The Supervisors Chambers, usually lightly trafficked during meetings, overflowed such that a considerable number of people had to stand in the court hallway to watch the proceeding unfold. Many more tuned into the meeting online, seemingly all with the same goal: urging Caltrans to reconsider its decision.

Last July, the California Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a study of vehicle speed through Sierra City, finding cars often entered the S-curves near Wild Plum Road significantly above the posted 35-mile-per-hour limit. Because California legislation aims to prevent “speed traps” where traffic naturally flows much faster than a posted speed limit, Caltrans has moved to increase the speed limit to 50 mph until after the intersection with Wild Plum Road and increase the limits from 25 to 35 mph until after the Sierra City Library.

The voices of authority concerning the study at the hearing included Grass Valley CHP Lieutenant Commander Jose Alatorre and several employees from the DOT. According to Lieutenant Alatorre, a speed sign does not change a driver’s speed. Still, he says that based on discussions with Caltrans, they would review their approach to the Sierra City changes.

Alatorre conducted an independent speed survey, capturing hours of traffic speed data in the spots Caltrans had already surveyed and further into the S-curves near Wild Plum Road. Though his numbers agreed with Caltrans at the edge of the 35 mph zone, speeds dropped significantly closer to Wild Plum. He noted it was nearly impossible to carry more than 50 mph through the curves, with the highest speed he recorded being 51 mph by a small sports car.

The DOT representatives echoed Alatorre’s sentiment that speed limits do little to alter driver behavior, but also said they had done everything they could within their rulebook to keep speeds unchanged. Unfortunately, California law does not allow the DOT to consider factors like pedestrian traffic when setting speed limits, severely limiting the effect that a public hearing can have on the outcome. Still, they promised to work with the Board of Supervisors to develop options for mitigating the impacts and slowing the natural traffic flow.

Nearly 30 people commented in person, and at least 20 letters were included in the Board’s record before the meeting. Many speakers lived on Wild Plum Road or nearby, where the changes would directly affect them. They explained that backing out of blind driveways, a task challenging enough already, could become a serious injury risk should drivers travel as much as 20 mph faster in the same area. Many also argued that most of the minor traffic accidents that occurred in the past have not been reported and, therefore, could not be taken into account by Caltrans. Above all, residents were concerned about pedestrian safety, particularly that of children who board the school bus on the highway.

More than one Sierra City resident believed that limits should instead be reduced to 25 mph throughout the entire existing zone of reduced speed through the village. They argue that pedestrians are already at great risk since very little shoulder space exists for a large portion of the area. Residents often must cross the highway multiple times to walk from one side of town to the other. They also argued raising the posted speeds would only suggest to motorists that they could drive even faster through the tiny town, disputing assertions by Department of Transportation representatives that speed limits do not affect driver behavior.

Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher’s comments at the beginning of the public hearing were ultimately a clear and concise summary of community concerns echoed later. Fisher says the highway is simply not suitable for higher speeds. Narrow shoulders, the blind intersection at Wild Plum Road after S-curves, and the numerous driveways in the area all increase the risk of accidents. Pedestrians and bicyclists in the roadway, lack of additional lanes, and parking congestion all add to the issue in the busy tourist season.

Staff from the offices of California Representative Heather Hadwick and Senator Megan Dahle attended the meeting at the request of the Board. The most promising path forward seemed to be allowing local governments more control over speed limits on state highways through legislative changes. Yolanda Cookson, field representative for Dahle, said the idea agrees with the office’s plan of “raising rural voices,” and that she’s excited to share with the Senator that “pretty much everyone came out.” She believes that while speed limit changes are happening to Sierra County first, they might become an issue statewide since surveys must be conducted every 7 years in many cases.

Another public hearing will take place at 10 AM on March 18th in the Loyalton Social Hall, this time discussing the proposed 5 mph increase through Sierraville on Highway 49 and Highway 89. Many of the same representatives from the DOT, CHP, and legislative offices are also expected to attend that meeting.