The speed limit in downtown Raleigh could soon be lowered to 25 miles per hour

The Downtown Pedestrian Safety Project was the result of a study ordered by Gov. Roy Cooper after a state worker was killed walking at the intersection of McDowell and Lane streets in 2019.

Over the past 15 years, 335 pedestrian crashes have been reported in downtown Raleigh, according to data from the state Department of Transportation. Forty two percent involved turning vehicles hitting people crossing the street. One person died while 18 received serious injuries.

"We want everyone to feel safe, and we always want to provide folks options so if you don’t have a car or don’t want to use a car, we have to make it accessible for you to get where you’re going," said Raleigh City Councilman Jonathan Melton.

Shaw University asking for feedback on what's next for school

The project would lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 miles per hour on all streets between Glenwood Avenue and East Street, and Peace Street to just south of Martin Luther King Boulevard.

"I've stepped off the curb a few times thinking it was safe because the light was on walk, and I had a car pull in front of me. So that's a little terrifying," said Deborah Faison, who works downtown.

The project would also eliminate all turns on red.

"It seems like it would be safer and that way avoid a lot of accidents," said downtown pedestrian Cecelia Lane.

Another change would eliminate double turn lanes.

"I think that's a great idea because the population is growing, and it even makes it a safer place for pedestrians," said downtown pedestrian Lawrence Nichols.

Downtown Raleigh's population could double in next decade, with nearly $2 billion in new development projects

Melton said the project is critical as downtown develops and more people move in.

"As we continue to build a more walkable, dense, people-oriented city, this is an important piece of it," he said.

Raleigh City Council will consider approving these changes during their meeting Monday.