Speed zone updates for section of E. Main St., Old Settler's Park in Round Rock approved

T.C. Oates Lane, Whitlow Way, Sports Capital Crossing and a portion of East Main Street will see some new signage coming their way to guide drivers.

Round Rock officials gave the first of two required approvals to add these streets to the ordinance limiting Harrell Parkway inside Old Settlers Park to 25 mph Jan. 12. Council members approved the measure unanimously by consent Jan. 26, meaning those streets will receive official signage noting the new speed limit. A second ordinance adding a section of East Main Street from College Street to Moye Street to the 30-mph speed zone already in existence in downtown Round Rock was also approved on its second reading by council.

Alan Banks, Round Rock Police Department chief, said signs added to the park could include flashing speed signs like the ones already present on Harrell Parkway, the main north-south route through the park.

“We also have to take into consideration that a lot of folks that come up are from out of town,” Banks said. “So we will continue to work on enforcement out there.”

Round Rock Transportation Director Gary Hudder said the adjustment to the speed zone is not as simple as choosing to change it. He said there are regulatory measures and steps required to be taken before officially changing them, which the city has done by conducting traffic studies.

“In a review of some of the safety issues out of the park, we have recognized that some of these streets, other than Harold Parkway, were never appropriately brought to council for consideration,” he said.

City documents state the portion of Main Street added to the 30-mph speed zone was recommended following resident feedback and a speed study.