KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Township board is at odds with the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County over a recent approval to increase the speed limit on an area roadway.
In the fall of 2020, despite opposition from township officials and several area residents, approval was given to raise the speed limit on an area of Nichols Rd. to 45 mph from 35 mph in a zone that some say is unsafe for speeds that high. The new signs were installed earlier this month along the roadway.
Kalamazoo Township officials now are hoping they will have a chance to reverse that decision as they aim to work with the new commissioner Keshia Dickason. They say there were irregularities in the process to change the speed limit to 45, including not looping Kalamazoo Township in the process. They also say that the data gathered is not accurate, as it happened during the start of the pandemic when there were fewer drivers on area roads.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County says speed limits are set in accordance with Michigan law, with very specific legislation and that the Michigan State Police work with local agencies to collect and analyze data before changes are made.
I do not see any difference between Nichols and Drake where the speed limit has been 45 miles per hour for quite a long time. I would support a 45 mile-an-hour speed limit.