Residents urge White Salmon to seek lower speed limit on W Jewett outside city limits

Two residents who live in the Pucker Huddle area outside White Salmon’s municipal limits urged the Council to support their effort to reduce the 45 mph speed limit on W Jewett between the Mormon church and the Bald Mountain curves.

John Palmer said the current 45 mph limit is “too fast” for a stretch with multiple neighborhood roads, school buses, churches with high attendance, cyclists, poor sight lines and frequent deer strikes. He referenced a letter included in the meeting packet and noted that Highway 14 has a lower speed limit through nearby segments, suggesting the W Jewett speed is anomalous.

Avery Hoyt spoke in support and described longstanding safety concerns, calling a lower speed limit “a key step toward making the town more livable and better prepared for future growth.”

Mayor Marla Keethler thanked both residents, asked that they share contact information with the City Clerk and said staff would follow up with guidance. Because the road lies outside city jurisdiction, Keethler suggested the residents contact Klickitat County Commissioner Todd Andrews for action on speed limits; staff said they would provide guidance and next steps.

Councilors did not take action at the meeting but indicated willingness to provide information and to coordinate with county officials where possible.