Monroe considers lowering speed limit on Ohio 63 after fatal accident July 9, 2021 - Monroe Ohio 7/9/2021 Monroe, Ohio - City council has been discussing spending $7,000 on a speed study along Ohio 63 after a double-fatal crash occurred back in May. On May 14, a tractor trailer collided with a silver sedan as it was attempting to merge onto Ohio 63 from Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
The deaths of Marita Avery, 59, and Anthony L. Mitchell, 26, were ruled an accident according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured, police said.
Although many council members are in favor of the $7K study, Vice Mayor Keith Funk said he wants to wait until the police report from the fatal accident was completed to see if the study is warranted according to Journal News.
In the days following the crash, a petition regarding a safer intersection circulated around social media. Residents who signed the petition called for lower speed limits, turn-only green lights east and westbound at the Ohio 63 and Main Street intersection, and flashing “prepare to stop” lights at Ohio 63/Main, Britton/Ohio 63, and Yankee/Ohio 63.
Regarding the proposed speed test, consultants said speed data would be obtained at 1/2- to ¾-mile increments along Ohio 63. To obtain speeds from both directions, two stealth radar stations would be set up at each location and record for 48 hours. Two radar stations would be at each of these five locations:
-Between American Way and Lawton Avenue
-Between Lawton Avenue and Main Street
-Between Main Street and Britton Lane
-Between Britton Lane and Heritage Green Drive
-Between Heritage Green Drive and Yankee Road
According to the contract, consultants would coordinate with the Ohio Department of Transportation District 8 regarding speed data and results from the initial analysis to decide whether this section of Ohio 63 is a favorable candidate for a reduction of speed limit.
If council approves this study when they meet again on July 13, the ODOT consultants expect the study to be completed within 60 days.
