(Radio Iowa & KJAN) – A bundle of new state laws take effect next Wednesday, and one in particular has county crews across Iowa scrambling to comply by July 1st. The new law will raise the speed limit on all two-lane state highways by five miles an hour. While it doesn’t sound like much, Hamilton County Supervisor Chairman Rick Young says it will require a lot of work — and expense — for county road workers to install scores of new signs.
“There’ll be a change of speed limits from 55 to 60,” Young says. “We’re working with the sheriff and the engineers department are working on satisfying those needs.” Many studies indicate faster speeds can lead to more severe injuries and deaths in crashes, so Young says he’s disappointed by the speed limit hike after so much progress to make the roads safer.
“We have lowered the death rate on highways to nearly 250 people, as compared to multiple years prior where there was 350 deaths in the state, so it’s unfortunate,” Young says. “Many of us believe that the legislature chose to do that for lack of safety for one, and also for the cost. It’s going to cost thousands of dollars for the county.”
During the June 9th meeting of the Cass County Board of Supervisors, County Engineer Trent Wolken said the signs won’t be installed right away, at least until the County can evaluate the placement of appropriate signage, relative to curves and reduction in the speed limit as motorists enter towns, and other factors.
The Iowa legislature approved the speed increase this spring. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law earlier this month.
