Supervisors approve Salem speed limit changes

SALEM — Drivers entering and exiting Salem will see new speed limits and updated signage after the Henry County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution aimed at improving roadway safety and consistency.

On July 24, supervisors passed a resolution setting speed zones on all four paved routes into Salem. The changes come after a comprehensive speed study led by County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss in coordination with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and City of Salem officials.

“Essentially, we’ve established four routes coming into Salem and we’re cleaning up the signage and establishing what the speed limits are,” Hotchkiss said during the meeting.

Key updates include a transition to 40 mph roughly 500 to 1,000 feet before city limits and a uniform 25 mph speed throughout Salem.

“After discussing some stuff with the city as well, we elected to get rid of the 20 miles per hour on the square and go just to 25, so there is no deceleration after you get in,” Hotchkiss said. “It’s 25 on the farm-to-market extensions all the way through both directions.”

The previously posted 20 mph limit near the town square will be eliminated to maintain consistency.

The south side of town, including the S-bend residents expressed concerns about, received special attention. Supervisor Steve Detrick noted concerns about vehicle speed near a trail entrance.

“We did adjust that from the original plan after some discussion about a park trail that dumps onto the county road,” Hotchkiss explained. “It's kind of a, kind of a unique thing. We did stretch that 25 back to the city limits where they're at now. So that got adjusted back.”

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To enhance safety for students, flashing speed feedback signs and red beacons will be installed near the school crosswalk. School officials will turn on these flashing lights when school is in session.

“It’s very clear when school’s in session now,” Hotchkiss said. “The stop signs will be activated, and the crosswalk has been tied into a sidewalk, no longer dumping into the parking lot.”

Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, which takes effect immediately.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com