Council asks ODOT to lower Parsons Avenue speed limit to 25 mph as part of Vision Zero push

Columbus City Council voted to request that the Ohio Department of Transportation establish a 25 mph speed limit on Parsons Avenue from East Whittier Street to East Broad Street, a change framed as part of the city’s Vision Zero strategy to reduce crashes and protect vulnerable road users.

Chair Rosie Badia described community advocacy along the corridor and said the change will align this stretch with an existing 25-mph zone south of East Whittier. The Director (Public Service) said similar reductions elsewhere have coincided with fewer crashes: data shared during the hearing noted a drop from 62 to 47 crashes on a High Street segment after a lower speed limit and a decline from 19 to 9 serious and fatal crashes in a downtown business district following a March 2023 reduction.

The ordinance authorizes the director to request ODOT conduct the engineering study and set the speed limit; under Ohio law ODOT must perform engineering analysis and set statutory limits. The Director said the change would be implemented 30 days after passage and emphasized coordination with ODOT and Vision Zero partners.

Council approved the measure by roll call. Chair Badia said the reduced speed will improve safety for people walking, biking and using transit along Parsons Avenue and noted existing pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including flashing beacons and crosswalks, near the corridor.