Should Worcester Lower Speed Limit? Survey Seeks Resident Input

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester city councilor is slowing the city's roll on lowering the speed limit 25 mph.

After holding a series of hearings this year on reducing the speed limit in most parts of Worcester, At-Large Councilor Donna Colorio asked city officials to take one more step by surveying residents about the change. The survey went live Tuesday.

In late 2023, the Department of Transportation and Mobility forwarded a plan to councilors to reduce the speed limit, and create 20 mph zones around sensitive places, like daycare centers and hospitals. Colorio held five hearings on the proposals — one in each council district — over the last few months on her Traffic and Parking subcommittee.

But fewer than 30 people spoke across all five meetings. A majority spoke in support of lowering the speed limits, according to meeting minutes.

The short survey published Tuesday includes information about why lowering the speed limit can improve safety.

“The Department of Transportation and Mobility is working extremely hard to improve the accessibility of our roads and ensure that all roadway users are safe and comfortable traveling throughout the city,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said. “This is a great opportunity for residents to share their feedback as we work to achieve Vision Zero and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.”

After the survey closes, the results will return to Colorio's Traffic and Parking subcommittee, where the members will eventually vote to either recommend the reduction or not. The issue will then return to the full council for another vote. The reduction would not apply to a few main roads in the city, like Gold Star Boulevard, Stafford Street and interstate highways.