PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: August 12, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation and Public Works
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Dallas City Code, by amending Section 28-45; to (1) designating speed regulations on freeways or expressways; (2) providing a penalty not to exceed $200.00; (3) providing a savings clause; (4) providing a severability clause; and (5) providing an effective date - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
*In alignment with Vision Zero Plan.
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BACKGROUND
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) conducted a speed zone study on Interstate Highway (IH) 35E Service Roads near the Halperin Park in the City of Dallas. The results of the study, together with an assessment of pedestrian activity, indicate that the posted speed limit should be reduced from the existing 45 miles per hour (mph) to 35 mph; and the signs require updating between East 8th Street and East 12th Street (approximately ½ mile north and south of South Lancaster Avenue). It is necessary to amend Chapter 28 “Expressways and Freeways,” to reflect these changes.
The below changes identify the additions and deletions to Section 28-45(B):
SEC. 28-45B EXPRESSWAYS AND FREEWAYS, ADDITIONS (MPH Varies)
Street Name, Extent, Council District, Speed (MPH), Cause
• Street - East R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 30) Service Roads, Extent - All portions within the city limits, CD - 2, 7, Speed - 40 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E WFR) South Bound Service Road, Extent - East Colorado Boulevard to East 9th Street, CD - 4, Speed - 45 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E WFR) South Bound Service Road, Extent - East 9th Street to East 12th Street, CD - 4, Speed - 35 MPH, Cause - traffic study conducted by TXDOT justifying the speed limit reduction due to pedestrian activity at Halperin Park.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E WFR) South Bound Service Road, Extent - East 12th Street to 650 feet south of West Illinois Avenue, CD - 4, Speed - 45 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E EFR) North Bound Service Road, Extent - 750 feet south of South Beckley Avenue to East 12th Street, CD - 4, Speed - 45 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E EFR) North Bound Service Road, Extent - East 12th Street to East 9th Street, CD - 4, Speed - 35 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E EFR) North Bound Service Road, Extent - East 9th Street to E. Colorado Boulevard, CD - 4, Speed - 45 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
• Street - South R. L. Thornton Freeway (IH 35E) Service Roads, Extent - All remaining portions within the city limits, CD - 4, Speed - 40 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
SEC. 28-45 EXPRESSWAYS AND FREEWAYS, DELETIONS (MPH Varies)
Street Name, Extent, Council District, Speed (MPH), Cause
• Street - R. L. Thornton Freeway Service Roads, Extent - All portions within the city limits, CD - 1, 4, Speed - 40 MPH, Cause - to properly designate posted speed limits within and outside the scope of the traffic study conducted by TXDOT.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. Ordinance enforcement of penalty up to $200.00 may generate additional revenues to the City.
MAP
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