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1. How were the new speed limits chosen?

Multiple factors were taken into consideration for the new speed limits, including;

• Traffic volume
• Adjacent land use and access
• Crash history
• Lane configuration
• Multi-modal infrastructure
• Balancing local and regional traffic

2. Are other cities changing their speed limits?

Yes; Minneapolis and St. Paul lowered their local speed limits in 2020 and St. Louis Park is in the process of changing theirs, as well. Nationally, other cities that have lowered local speed limits include New York City, Seattle, Portland and Boston.

3. Are county roads like France or Vernon Avenues going to change?

Not as part of this initiative. State legislation only gives the City the ability to change speed limits on streets under the City's jurisdiction, which covers about 90% of the streets in Edina. Streets that are not shown on the map include private streets and those operated by Hennepin County of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The speed limit on those streets will remain as is unless changed by their respective agencies.

4. How is the City funding this initiative?

Funding for the new speed limit signs and communication efforts will come from the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund. This fund, generated via franchise fees on gas and electric bills, primarily pays for improvements to Edina's non-motorized transportation network. This network includes sidewalks, bikeways and pedestrian safety infrastructure. 

Full cost for implementation is currently estimated at $10,000.

5. How will the new speed limits be enforced?

The Police Department enforces speed limits through verbal warnings and citations issued at traffic stops. The Traffic Division also uses a movable, radar speed trailer to inform drivers of their speeds relative to the posted limit. Occasionally, targeted enforcement is used at specific locations during specific time frames where residents or staff have identified speed concerns.