Leander City Council approved a reduced speed limit on West Old FM 2243 between US 183 and N. Bagdad Road at its March 21 meeting.

The speed limit will be lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph when crews place new traffic signs after rush hour traffic on March 22, said Leander City Engineer Wayne Watts. Staff recommended lowering the speed limit to 45 mph based on several factors, including the lack of improved shoulders, significant crash history along the thoroughfare and the constricted lateral movement due to the extended lengths of the guardrails.

Watts said 27 traffic accidents occurred on that segment West Old FM 2243 in the last three years. The stretch of West Old FM 2243 west of N. Bagdad Road to Ran Way will remain 55 mph, Watts said. The segment of West Old FM 2243 in front of Leander Station Senior Village Apartments is already 45 mph.

Mayor Chris Fielder said the decision was an improvement to the city.

"I think this is a great item considering this is one of our major thoroughfares and top roadway priorities," he said. "The safety concerns are huge."