Lower Speed Limit Requested

MINNEHAHA COUNTY - The speed limit could be changing on a busy stretch of Highway 42 east of Sioux Falls.

Minnehaha County Commissioners are asking the state to lower the speed limit to 55 miles an hour.

The speed limit on Highway 42 east of Sioux Falls to the Iowa border is 65 miles per hour, like all other state highways. But Minnehaha County authorities want to see that speed limit reduced.

"We're just looking at reducing the speed from 65 to 55, which will still allow for expedient flow of traffic through that corridor," Minnehaha County planning and zoning director Scott Anderson said.

The population in eastern Minnehaha County has risen. Combine that with the new casino just across the border in Iowa and you've got more traffic on Highway 42.  And unfortunately, more accidents.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead says his deputies see an increase in traffic on this stretch of road, and a 50 percent increase in the number of accidents this year over last year, too.

"We can see a reasonable reduction in the speed limit from 65 to 55 could impact public safety. Make it a safer road to travel and still not inconvenience those who commute on that road on a daily basis," Milstead said.

If the state agrees to lower the speed limit on this seven-mile stretch of road, the change would bring the speed limit in line with all other county highway roads at 55 miles per hour.

Minnehaha County Commissioners approved a letter addressed to the state transportation commission asking for the speed limit reduction.

The state transportation commission will consider the county’s request at its next hearing on January 26, 2012.