New speed limit law for Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Speed legislation that was signed into law by the governor back in 2022 is now becoming a reality for one capital region city. NEWS10 speaking with government officials and city residents on the change and what it means for the city going forward.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan signed into law a 25 miles per hour speed limit throughout the city and said, “This change is going to be another way we can enhance Public Safety and really work on ensuring we are improving access to all modes of transportation.”

“Bringing it down five might make people a little bit more aware and a little bit more cautious while they're going through the city,” said Albany resident John Hayward.

Previously, cities were not allowed to reduce their speed limits below 30 mph without authorization from the state of New York. A mandated study was conducted and the need for speed reduction became evident. New York Assemblymember Pat Fahy said, “A 25 mph speed limit has been found to be successful in lowering ‘outlier speeds’, or the speed at which drivers can cause serious injury or death to pedestrians or cyclists.”

“Going 30 miles an hour through the city can feel safe but there are moments when you see people encroaching a little faster. You got kids walking, dogs, families,” said Hayward.

“With the concept of speed limits, I'm more okay with speed limits in the prospect of speed bumps,” said Albany resident Josh Cam.

Others say even more needs to be done. “Beyond that what I think would be really helpful would be adding more of the crosswalk median signs of that sort. So that folks are able to actually cross the street safely. Having those extra lights really help,” said Laura Prosper.

Albany City Council Member Owusu Anane explains how the new speed limit will make a difference for the people working and living in Albany. “All throughout the state fatal accidents have been going down. But the city of Albany has been going up. So, we wanted to make sure that we are leading the way reducing the speed limit.” He says that with change there comes a cost. “When it comes to signage, we're going to in source it right here in Albany which is going to save taxpayer dollars by not hiring somebody else to create it. So, we're going to do it in-house.”

In a statement from David Galin, Kathy Shehan’s Chief of Staff, it says, “We estimate the cost of the new signs and labor to be at least $100,000.”

Some residents tell NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente they think the plans are good, they just hope the law will be enforced. “The speed limit is only as actionable as it is enforced,” said Cam.

“The Traffic Safety Unit of the Albany Police Department will continue to adhere to the philosophy of deterrence, education and enforcement with respect to the new law,” said Albany Police Department Spokesperson Megan Craft.

The following are exceptions from the new speed limit:

• Old State Road
• Washington Avenue from the intersection of Exit 2 of Interstate 90 to Jermain Street
• Central Avenue from the intersection of the City of Albany/Town of Colonie line to Everett Road
• Everett Road
• South Pearl Street from the intersection of the City of Albany/Town of Bethlehem line to Binghamton Street
• All roads within the Port of Albany