Loyalton Speed Limit Hearing Canceled: Caltrans Promises Safety Improvements

LOYALTON — In the last two Sierra County Board of Supervisors meetings, the Board reviewed speed zone changes proposed by Caltrans for the City of Loyalton. The proposal shortened the city’s 25-mile-per-hour zone, particularly on the west side of town. The county had scheduled a joint public hearing with the Loyalton City Council for Tuesday, June 17th, but on Tuesday, June 3rd, Safety Programs Chief Mary Bokova requested the cancellation of the meeting pending a field review.

In her email to the county, Bokova states, “Caltrans will conduct a field review with Bryan Davey within the next few weeks to determine what safety improvements can be completed in Loyalton. After the improvements are completed and the traveling public [has] the opportunity to adjust to the changes, a new Engineering and Traffic Survey will be completed.” Following the survey, Caltrans will submit a new proposal. The county may then hold another public hearing if needed.

This change in approach follows a similar situation in Sierra City and represents an improvement over past speed limit processes in Sierra City and Sierraville. Previously, Bokova and other Caltrans officials maintained that speed limit surveys were final, with new limits set before safety measures to slow traffic could be considered. However, after a walkthrough in Sierra City, Caltrans proposed installing rumble strips, high-visibility “bulb-out” markings, and “keep clear” pavement markings near the fire station to reduce speeds on Main Street.

Caltrans speed limit surveys measure vehicle speeds along roadway sections. The recorded speeds inform proposed limits, which must align with the 80th percentile of traffic flow. Only speeds from unimpeded vehicles are used—drivers slowing for temporary obstacles like pedestrians are excluded. The process aims to prevent “speed traps” in California, though it has led to higher speed limits in Sierra County towns.

The safety improvements for Loyalton mentioned by Bokova will likely mirror Sierra City’s, including rumble strips, pavement markings, and signage. If these measures naturally reduce driver speeds, a follow-up survey could support keeping or lowering current limits.