County sets speed limits in unincorporated Kalona area

KALONA - Roads in Southtown and Richmond will soon have posted speed limits lower than the default 50-55 mph speed set by state law.

Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius said the limits came after a speed study in the area, and were coordinated with the county sheriff’s office. The limits come in at 45 mph for 133rd street, and 35 mph on most of Nutmeg Avenue. In the unincorporated community of Richmond, it’ll be 25 mph on most roads, going up as drivers approach the Highway.

Thorius expects the changes to be popular with locals, adding that they fell in line with the speeds most commuters used in the area, according to the speed studies. The current limit on the streets is 55 during the day and 50 at night, as per state law on any road without a sign posted.

“We constantly get complaints about people speeding,” Thorius said of the area. “But nobody is speeding, because statutorily, the speed limit is 55. So legally, there’s nothing the county can do. We’ve done multiple speed studies in the area, and it’s been fairly consistent with what people are actually driving.”

New speed limits are expected to see matching ones enacted by the city of Kalona for annexed areas, and will take effect once they’re posted on signs. Thorius said that would likely take a few months, as county staff wait for the ground to thaw.

And once they’re in place, he cautioned that drivers may not adjust immediately.

“I don’t want anybody to think of this as a false sense of security, that now it’s safe to walk out there in the street,” he said. “You still need to be aware when pulling out of your driveway or using the roads.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com