Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 28, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Joseph C. Kunkel, P.E., Director, Public Works Department
CONTACT: Humberto L. Castillero, P.E., PTOE, Manager
PHONE: (407) 836-7891
DIVISION: Traffic Engineering Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval to decrease the speed limit on South Tanner Road from Lake Pickett Road to Old Cheney Highway from 45 mph to 40 mph. District 5. (Traffic Engineering Division)
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE:
Concerned citizens have requested Orange County to review the posted speed along South Tanner Road from Lake Pickett Road to Old Cheney Highway. They expressed that the posted speed is too high and presents a safety risk.
Vehicular/pedestrian safety, accident statistics, current and future density, and the roadside development were the primary considerations for a speed reduction analysis along the South Tanner Road corridor. The Florida Department of Transportation uses a Context Sensitive Road classification when determining Target Speed. This is the speed at which vehicles should operate on a thoroughfare in a specific context, consistent with the level of multi-modal activity generated by adjacent land uses, providing both mobility and a supportive environment for vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit users.
This corridor is classified as C2 - Rural, with a recommended future context classification of C3R - Suburban Commercial, which allows for a target speed range of 35 to 55 mph. Field observations show that the current 85th percentile speeds range from 39 to 54 mph. Crash data analysis indicates that approximately 8% of reported crashes result in serious injuries or fatalities. Considering the context classification, surrounding residential land use, and observed prevailing speeds along the corridor, it is recommended to reduce the posted speed limit to 40 mph along South Tanner Road from Lake Pickett Road to Old Cheney Highway to promote safe and consistent operations throughout the corridor. Traffic Engineering will continue to monitor this corridor and may explore additional strategies, such as engineering, education, and enforcement measures, to further support speed compliance where appropriate.
BUDGET: N/A