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1. How are speed limits determined?

City ordinance sets the basic speed limit in Springfield at 30 miles per hour (mph). Motorists are to assume the speed limit is 30 mph unless there are signs posting a different speed limit. Speed limits greater than 30 mph can be set on the major streets by the City Traffic Engineer based on engineering studies that include the following factors:

• Crash experience
• Functional classification of the streets
• Prevailing speed of motorists as determined in a speed study
• Roadway characteristics including alignment, surface, grade, sight distance, and design speed
• Roadway development including type of land use, driveway spacing, and parking practice

2. How can I make comments regarding Springfield traffic?

Please let us know of any specific concerns you may have regarding traffic in Springfield. You may do this online, by email, regular mail, phone at 417-864-1980, or in person at:
840 N. Boonville
Room 102
Springfield, MO 65802

3. When should a traffic signal be installed?

Traffic signals should only be installed when they are warranted as determined by an engineering study. A warranted traffic signal that is properly located and operated may provide for more orderly movement of traffic, and may reduce the occurrence of certain types of crashes. On the other hand, an unwarranted traffic signal can result in increased delay, congestion, and crashes. Installations are based on engineering studies that consider the following:

• crash history
• excessive side street volumes
• flow of traffic along major street
• pedestrian delays and/or pedestrian safety
• side street delays
• uniform traffic flow

City ordinance authorizes the Traffic Engineer to post 20 miles per hour (mph) school speed limit signs 200 feet beyond the school property on streets where the reduced speed limit is warranted. In addition, city council has also approved special ordinances for lower speed limits in the Park Central, Commercial Street commercial districts, and the Southwest Missouri State University campus.

4. What is traffic engineering?

Traffic engineering is the field of engineering which deals with the planning, design, construction, and operation of roads, streets, and highways, their networks, terminals, access to abutting lands and relationships with other modes of transportation for the achievement of safe, efficient, and convenient movement of persons and goods. Traffic engineering applies engineering principles to existing transportation facilities to help solve transportation problems, and takes in account the knowledge of psychology and habits of users of the transportation systems.

5. Will a lower speed help reduce speeding?

Facts indicate otherwise.  Research conducted throughout the country over several decades has shown that drivers are influenced by the type of street and current traffic conditions, and not the posted speed limit.
When a speed limit sign is not posted, the City of Springfield basic speed law still applies.  A person may assume the speed limit is 25 mph, but drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions.  In every event, speed must be so controlled as to avoid colliding with any object, person, or vehicle on the highway.  It is the duty of ALL persons to exercise reasonable care for the protection of others.

Under Springfield law, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Speed Limits higher than 25 mph are established on the basis of traffic engineering studies.  These studies include roadway conditions, accident records and the prevailing speed of prudent drivers.   If an unreasonably low speed is posted, most drivers will ignore the signs, while a few may try to stay within the posted speed limit.  This causes real safety concerns because of the difference between faster and slower drivers.
Some lower speed limits have been established in certain districts throughout Springfield.

• 20 mph on MSU Campus
• 20 mph School Zones 
• 20 mph in Downtown Business Districts (Park Central & Commercial Street) • 

Lowering Speed Limits unnecessarily can have two adverse effects. They make violators out of reasonable and otherwise law abiding citizens.
But most importantly, police enforcement is diminished, which plays a vital role in controlling speed.  Unrealistic speed limits create a difficult situation for the police and the community, and citations are not upheld in court.  

6. Will a traffic signal reduce crashes at an intersection?

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices suggests that signals should not be installed under the premise of reducing collisions, unless five or more right-angle type occur per year.  Studies indicate that an increase in total collisions should be expected at intersections having fewer than five right angle collisions per year prior to signalization.
The purpose of signals is to improve overall traffic flow.  Signals can be helpful in reducing right-angle collisions under certain circumstances, but almost always result in an increase in other types of collisions such as rear-end and left turn collisions.  As well, signals can also give pedestrians a false sense of security. 

Learn more by visiting Traffic Signals and Management.

7. Does the City install "Children At Play" signs to slow traffic ?

The City no longer installs "Children at Play" signs. Studies have found that these warning signs are not effective in reducing the number of speeding motorists. Further, there are issues associated with those signs:

1. Potential attraction of child predators

2. The signs may insinuate that it’s okay for children to play in the street. But the street is not a safe place to play. 

3. If some streets had "Children at Play" signs and other street did not - does that mean there are no kids living on the streets without signs?

4. "Children at Play" signs may give children and parents a false sense of security.

Learn more about neighborhood traffic safety concerns. 

8. Will more stop signs slow traffic on a street?

Stops signs can only be installed where traffic patterns and volume require it, but never to slow traffic - for good reasons. Learn what the national standards for stops signs are here.