Drivers used to zipping through Tempe’s busiest corridors are about to tap the brakes. On May 14, the City Council voted to cut posted speed limits by 5 mph on seven major streets across the city, with the new limits expected to show up on signs in mid-June. The changes trim two stretches of Broadway Road from 45 to 40 mph and lower limits on arterials that run past schools, parks and canal crossings, so drivers should be ready for fresh signs and slower posted speeds along the affected segments.
Which Streets Are Affected
Ordinance No. O2026.18 reduces posted speeds on seven corridors across Tempe. Two stretches of Broadway Road will fall from 45 to 40 mph. Priest Drive and Guadalupe Road are also slated to move to 40 mph. McKellips will be reduced to 35 mph. Miller and Roosevelt will drop to 30 mph, and Veterans Way/Fifth Street will be lowered to 25 mph. The ordinance lists the exact segment endpoints; see Ordinance No. O2026.18 from the City of Tempe for details.
Why The City Made The Change
Staff reviewed a five-year crash history (2020–2024) and found that speed was listed as a contributing factor in about 21.8% of crashes on the targeted corridors, a share staff said backs lowering posted limits to help reduce crash severity. “This is a great opportunity to bring the posted speed limit more in alignment and support setting speed limits that suit all roadway users,” Tempe senior civil engineer Michelle Beckley said. The crash tables and corridor breakdowns were reported by local media and are also available in the city’s April 30 council presentation, which together provide the data and Beckley’s statement.
Public Response Was Mixed
The city held virtual and in-person meetings and collected 668 survey responses during the public comment period. Among Tempe respondents, 53% supported the changes, while overall input split roughly 44% in favor and 49% opposed. Opponents worried about increased congestion and pushed for more enforcement or physical street changes instead, while supporters pointed to Vision Zero goals and pedestrian safety near schools and parks. The public-input summaries and outreach materials lay out maps and themes for each corridor, and the council packet includes the full summaries.
When The Changes Take Effect
Because the council’s second public hearing took place on May 14, implementation will occur 30 days after the vote, which means the new posted limits and sign changes are set to kick in in mid-June. Tempe’s project page lists the rollout timeline and staff contacts for questions. For full documents and contact details, see the project information from the City of Tempe.
