New speed limits in effect on Lem Morrison Drive

Lem Morrison Drive was recently assigned two speed limits–25 and 30 mph. This is a decrease from the four limits previously in effect on the 1.5-mile road.

“Recent development along Lem Morrison Drive has increased the pedestrian and bicycling activity in the area, which prompted us to conduct a study of the former speed limits that ranged from 25 to 40 mph,” said Ben Burmester, university traffic and site engineer. “We believe the reduced speed limits will increase safety for all road users.”

The added development includes the School of Nursing, Pharmacy Research, the Campus Recreation Sportsplex and additional gravel surface parking for commuter students.

Lem Morrison Drive is a two-lane roadway that runs primarily east to west along the southern portion of Auburn’s campus. It begins at West Samford Avenue and ends at P O Davis Drive as it becomes Mell Street. The road varies with the presence of sidewalks, bicycle lanes and on-street parallel parking.

Based on site specific parameters, such as crash history, roadway geometry, land and pedestrian use, and the traffic data collected and analyzed, the study recommended the speed limits on Lem Morrison Drive be changed to:

• 30 mph between West Samford Avenue and South Donahue Drive

• 25 mph between South Donahue Drive and P O Davis Drive

As mentioned, the added development has also produced increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic that has led to a total of four mid-block crosswalks along the road. Two of the crosswalks are new and are enhanced where the speed limit is the highest. The crosswalk at Biggio and Lem Morrison is now a raised crossing, while the crosswalk under construction at the new Campus Recreation Sportsplex will include a rectangular rapid flashing beacon attached to the crossing’s sign.

“We have completed the raised crosswalk at Biggio Drive and Lem Morrison Drive,” Burmester said. “A new flush crosswalk with activated flashing beacons will soon be installed as the new greenway path is being completed adjacent to the existing intramural fields. The enhanced crossings raise visibility of the crosswalks and help lower vehicular speeds.”

The speed limit recommendations have been reviewed and endorsed by the City of Auburn Public Safety Division.