FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2024
Mayor Noble Signs Citywide 25 MPH Speed Limit Resolution
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the Common Council has approved his proposed citywide 25-mile per hour speed limit in the City of Kingston.
“I want to thank the Common Council for unanimously passing the citywide 25-mile per hour speed limit. Over the next few weeks, our Department of Public Works will be replacing speed signage throughout Kingston to reflect the change,” said Mayor Noble. “I ask drivers to be aware of the decrease in speed limit and begin to reduce your speed as you watch for sign changes. I have heard from many residents that their biggest concern is traffic safety and am confident that this new speed limit is an important step to reduce crashes and increase safety, while we continue to work to improve our infrastructure and educate the public.”
The 25-mile per hour speed limit will be implemented citywide, with some exceptions. School zones will be set at 15-miles per hour for certain times and days, as is the Webster Street hospital zone. All roads under NYSDOT jurisdiction, including Albany Avenue from Broadway to the city line, I-587 /Colonel Chandler Drive, 9W, and the section of Wurts Street on the bridge will remain as marked. The following streets, which are more rural in nature, wil remain at 30-miles per hour: Abeel Street from Wilbur Avenue to the city line, Boulevard from Golden Hill Drive to the city line, and Flatbush Avenue from E. Chester Street to the city line.
Bob Dennison, Chair of the Public Safety & General Government Committee said, “I am pleased that we have been able to help get a 25-mile per hour speed limit implemented in the City. Reducing travel speeds on our street system will make it safer for all users. Please remember to watch your speed when driving in the City.”
Kingston participated in Ulster County’s Safe Start to Summer road safety campaign, launched by Ulster County in partnership with the Ulster County Transportation Council and Traffic Safety Board, the Sheriff’s Office, and state and local law enforcement, which wrapped up in mid-July. The coalition is planning to launch the “Safe Start to School” road safety campaign in early September. These road safety campaigns are aimed at awareness about the dangers of speeding and distracted driving and promote a culture of safety and respect on roadways in an effort to save lives. As part of this enforcement campaign, the Kingston Police Department will focus enforcement efforts in the neighborhoods around schools and other high traffic and high pedestrian and cyclist areas. More about Safe Start to School at https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/road-safety.
Mayor Noble’s efforts to create a safe, walkable and bikeable City include the creation of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, a strategy document that builds upon completed projects that include safety features such as improved intersections, signals and sidewalks. Completed projects include the Broadway Streetscape Project, Broadway Grand Intersection Improvements Project, the Franklin Street Complete Streets Project, and the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Intersection Project, among many others. Current or upcoming road safety projects include the Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project, ADA curb ramp replacements across the City, Safe and Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall, the Uptown Transportation Improvements Projects, and many more to come.
Under Mayor Noble’s administration, the Kingston Point Rail Trail Phase 1 (Phase 2 is under design) and the Midtown Linear Park have been created, both of which provide off-street paths and connections for walking and biking. The Kingston Greenline is a network of urban trails, complete streets, improved sidewalks, bike lanes, and linear parks in the City of Kingston. More information on Kingston’s Be a Road Hero safety campaign can be found at https://engagekingston.com/be-a-road-hero.