Speed Limit Reductions on Central Avenue and Riverside Avenue

Published on September 12, 2024

Starting Thursday, September 19, new speed limits will be in effect on Central and Riverside Avenues.

The City, through the Oregon Department of Transportation who is legally tasked with setting speed zones in Oregon, is making these adjustments to improve safety and to comply with Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.111, which regulates speed limits in specific areas, including business districts.

Central Avenue

10th St. to Barnett Rd. will have a new posted speed limit of 30 MPH (currently 35 MPH).

Riverside Avenue

Barnett Rd. to approximately 12th St. will be posted at 30 MPH (currently a mix of 35 MPH and 30 MPH).
12th St. to Jackson St. will be posted at 20 MPH (currently a mix of 25 MPH and 30 MPH).

These changes will affect areas monitored by the City’s photo enforcement program. Notably, the S. Riverside Ave./E. 8th St. intersection, where a red light camera is installed, will be subject to the new 20 MPH speed limit.

Medford Police will not be issuing traffic citations for speed violations at this intersection for the first 30 days after the speed limit reduction. Instead, warning letters will be sent to drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by 11 MPH or more during this 30-day warning period. Citations for speed violations will begin on October 19, 2024.

As a reminder, there are currently five photo-enforced intersections in the City of Medford:

N. Central Ave./E. 4th St.
S. Riverside Ave./E. 8th St.
Biddle Rd./E. McAndrews Rd.
Barnett Rd./Stewart Ave.
Crater Lake Hwy./Delta Waters Rd

To help drivers adapt to the new speed limits, the City will place orange flags on the updated speed limit signs for added visibility, and these flags will remain in place for several months.

Medford Police encourages all drivers to stay vigilant, obey posted speed limits, and follow traffic signals to promote safer roads and reduce accidents.