The speed limit near Emporia Energy, Westar’s peaking power plant, won’t be changing anytime soon after a discussion Thursday morning by Lyon County commissioners.
County commissioners discussed the speed limit on Road U and Road 200. Even though the roads are paved because of construction, the speed limit is posted at 35 to slow construction traffic in the area.
County Commissioner Marshall Miller said the commission received a letter from an area resident asking the speed limit to be increased. County Engineer Chip Woods said he’s heard both sides — some people want it to remain at 35 miles per hour during construction, some people want it raised.
“The problem is you have that gravel road where you can go 55 and then you have to slow down to 35 (on the paved road),” Woods said.
Despite this, Woods said he doesn’t recommend changing the speed limit at this time.
“I say leave it alone until they get done with construction,” he said. “Then we can raise it.”
The second phase of construction of Emporia Energy isn’t due to be completed for another year.
After a bit more discussion, commissioners agreed to leave the speed limit as it is. Since a resolution is already in place to post the speed limit at 35 miles per hour, no formal action was needed.
Commissioners also discussed a contract with PKHLS Architecture for the renovation of existing rest rooms at the Lyon County Health Department and the Lyon County Highway Department to bring them into compliance with ADA standards. The proposal by PKHLS is to draw up the plans for the rest rooms. After the plans are drawn up, they will have to go to the city for approval.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I wasn't aware you could go 55 mph on any gravel county roads. That's insane! I live not far from there and have to dodge crazed workers coming off I-35 at U in the morning. They blow through the stop sign on the off ramp half the time and zoom north like their tails are on fire. It makes it fun trying to get on the interstate to come to Emporia every morning. They're already speeding and if you up the limit it'll only get worse. I cheered this morning when I saw a deputy with someone pulled over just north of the overpass bridge on U. Someone else is going to get hurt or killed if people don't SLOW DOWN on the county roads.
March 28, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )