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1 City Council Report Date: July 20, 2026 To: City Council Through: Marc Heirshberg, Assistant City Manager From: Erik Guderian, Transportation Department Director Sabine King, Assistant Transportation Director Subject: Modify Speed Limit Horne, McKellips Road to Lehi Road (Council District 1) Purpose and Recommendation The intent of this report is to modify the posted speed limit on Horne from McKellips Road to Lehi Road. To account for Horne’s semi-rural road characteristics, the low- density residential characteristics, the agricultural and equestrian usage, as well as the need for heritage preservation, staff recommends reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph on Horne between McKellips Road and Lehi Road. See attached Figure 1 for a location map. Background and Discussion Horne from McKellips Road to Lehi Road is classified as an arterial but functions as a collector street. It provides north/south access through the Lehi Heritage Neighborhood and dead ends at the Loop 202. The corridor serves as a connection between the traditional suburban Mesa infrastructure south of McKellips Road and the semi-rural and agricultural heritage of Lehi. The northeast and northwest corner at McKellips Road are commercial lots with a grocery store and a gas station. Continuing north the land use quickly transitions to large residential lots designed to support livestock and equestrian lifestyles within an urban city framework. There is also a fire station, a church, and museums along this segment. In 2023, Mesa designated Lehi as a "Heritage Neighborhood" to protect its unique historic and rural character, which dates back to its 1877 founding by Mormon pioneers. Currently, Horne has posted speed limits of 35 mph between McKellips Road and Lehi Road, and 30 mph between Lehi Road and the north City limits. It is striped as a semi-urban 2-lane cross section with one travel lane in each direction, and the majority does not have sidewalk, curb, or gutters. There is also no street lighting along this corridor. The current street cross-section will remain unchanged. 2 Speeds of 35 mph and 30 mph are covered in Mesa City Code Sections 10-4-5 and 10-4-6, respectively. The proposed speed limit reduction would require modification, by means of Ordinance and amendment of the respective sections. Coordination On May 19, 2026, the Transportation Advisory Board reviewed the proposed speed limit modification and establishment for Horne and concurred with staff’s recommendation to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 30 mph on Horne between McKellips Road and Lehi Road. Alternatives As an alternative, a speed limit other than the recommended 30 mph could be established or the existing 35-mph posted speed limit could remain. However, considering the semi-rural nature of Horne, the need to protect Lehi’s semi-rural and agricultural heritage, and the presence of livestock and equestrian usage, the recommended speed limit is most appropriate and reasonable. Fiscal Impact The installation of speed limit signs on Horne between McKellips Road and Lehi Road will result in a minimal fiscal impact. An estimated four speed limit signs will cost less than $300 to install and this is not considered a contingent factor for this type of change. CITY OF MESA TRANSPORTATION Existing 35mph Proposed 30 mph Speed Limit FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP