MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) – The posted speed limit on part of North Beale Road will increase to 40 mph under an ordinance approved by the Yuba County Board of Supervisors.

The change takes effect at the end of August and raises the limit from 35 mph to 40 mph between State Route 70 and North Linda Avenue. The 45-mph limit from North Linda Avenue to a point just east of Yuba College will remain in place.

Deputy Director of Public Works Brian Mickelson said an engineering and traffic survey divided North Beale Road into two sections and reached different conclusions for each. The segment between State Route 70 and North Linda Avenue no longer met state standards for keeping its 35 mph limit because motorists were consistently traveling faster than posted.

The survey found the 85th percentile speed on that stretch was 49 mph, a level that normally would support raising the limit to 50 mph under state guidelines. County officials said collision history, nearby development and pedestrian activity justified setting the limit at 40 mph instead.

The section from North Linda Avenue to a point just east of Yuba College was evaluated separately. The survey found an 85th percentile speed of 52 mph, but officials determined the existing 45 mph limit remains appropriate. About 9,800 vehicles travel the western section daily, compared with about 6,500 on the eastern portion.

Officials said the study evaluated each section independently because traffic conditions, roadway characteristics and surrounding development differ along the corridor. Those factors, along with measured vehicle speeds, are used to determine whether a posted limit should be changed.

Mickelson said the California Highway Patrol participated in the review.

“We’ve been working with CHP on these and they’re in concurrence with my findings,” he said.

County officials said California law requires updated engineering and traffic surveys to support radar enforcement on roads with posted limits. Supervisors approved the measure following a public hearing July 28.

New speed limit signs will be installed after the ordinance takes effect. The cost is expected to be less than $500 and will be covered through the county’s road maintenance budget.