Poughkeepsie reduces citywide speed limit to 25 mph

The City of Poughkeepsie will lower its citywide speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph effective September 1. The decision, approved by the Common Council, aims to increase street safety and reduce the severity of vehicle crashes.

The change coincides with the start of the new school year to prioritize the safety of children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The reduction follows a study conducted alongside the Dutchess County Transportation Council that analyzed local crash and traffic data.

The new 25 mph limit applies to all city streets unless otherwise posted. However, state-maintained arterial roadways are exempt from this citywide change, and drivers must continue to follow the specific posted limits on those roads. City officials are also coordinating with the state to increase enforcement on major roadways, potentially utilizing speed cameras in school zones and red-light cameras at busy intersections.