State Route 164 Speed Limit Reduction Puzzles Some Drivers

Several readers have contacted Patch asking if we knew anything about the speed limit reduction on State Route 164 between Enumclaw and Auburn.

It used to be 55 mph, but it's currently 50 mph.

Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Jamie Holter told Patch that the change went into effect on Nov. 28.

She also gave us a quick primer on the decision-making process that goes into reducing the speed limit but didn't yet have details about this particular roadway when we spoke with her.

The process involves looking at crash data, public comment and comparisons with analogous roadways, she said in an e-mail to Patch.

Crash data reveals the severity and frequency of crashes in the area. Public comments can come from citizens, a politician or the City Council. And then officials compare the road in question with other roads that tend to be used by the same number of vehicles and exhibit the same traffic patterns.

Holter let us know she's looking for data to help inform the decision to reduce this particular speed limit.

We'll keep you posted.