Medford Implements Speed Limit Reductions on Central and Riverside Avenues

Medford, Oregon- Starting Thursday, September 19, the City of Medford will implement new speed limit reductions on Central Avenue and Riverside Avenue. These changes are part of the city’s efforts to improve traffic safety and maintain consistent speed zoning along these major thoroughfares.

Speed Limit Changes

The changes will primarily affect two key areas:

Central Avenue:
From 10th Street to Barnett Road, the speed limit will be reduced from 35 MPH to 30 MPH.
Riverside Avenue:
From Barnett Road to approximately 12th Street, the speed limit will be standardized to 30 MPH, replacing a mix of 35 MPH and 30 MPH.
From 12th Street to Jackson Street, the speed limit will drop to 20 MPH, down from a combination of 25 MPH and 30 MPH.

These updates will affect areas monitored by the city’s photo enforcement program, including the intersection of South Riverside Avenue and East 8th Street, which is equipped with a red-light camera. This intersection will now fall under the new 20 MPH limit.

Enforcement Details

To allow drivers time to adjust, Medford Police will not issue traffic citations for speed violations at the South Riverside Avenue/East 8th Street intersection for the first 30 days following the change. Instead, motorists who exceed the new speed limit by 11 MPH or more will receive warning letters during this period. Formal citations will begin on October 19, 2024.

Photo-Enforced Intersections

Currently, there are five photo-enforced intersections across Medford:

North Central Avenue and East 4th Street
South Riverside Avenue and East 8th Street
Biddle Road and East McAndrews Road
Barnett Road and Stewart Avenue
Crater Lake Highway and Delta Waters Road

Additional Safety Measures

To assist drivers with the transition, the city will place orange flags on the updated speed limit signs to improve visibility. These flags will remain in place for several months.

Medford Police encourages all drivers to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and adhere to traffic signals as part of the city’s broader strategy to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.