City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance Dec. 10 to lower speed limits along Austin Avenue between Leander Road and Williams Drive.

The ordinance sets the speed limit at 40 mph between Leander Road and 18th Street; 35 mph from 18th Street to 574 feet north of 16th Street and between Second Street and Williams Drive; and 30 mph 574 feet north of 16th Street to Second Street.

Transportation Engineer Bill Dryden said the city completed a traffic study after receiving multiple complaints about vehicle and pedestrian safety and seeing an increase in the number of vehicle crashes between 18th Street and University Avenue. New developments and improvements to the area have also caused an increase in traffic volume.