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Further reductions in speed limit needed

By Staff | Jul 3, 2001

Tonganoxie was notified recently that the state transportation department soon will lower the speed limit on the east edge of town.

The Kansas Department of Transportation earlier had agreed to change the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph, but nothing was done. An inquiry by a city official prompted a promise from the state that the work would be completed this month.

That’s good news for the city and the safety of its residents.

Very few cars enter Tonganoxie on U.S. Highway 24-40 traveling at the posted 65 mph. Many are driving 70 mph or higher. So when these motorists come up over a hill and suddenly are in Tonganoxie, they’re caught by surprise. It takes them far too long to slow down as they pass through our city.

The change in speed limits from 65 mph to 55 mph on the east side of town will help motorists make that transition. Frankly, it would be a better situation if the speed limit dropped to 45 mph as soon as motorists enter the city.

Even though U.S. Highway 24-40 is a four-lane highway on most of its route through Tonganoxie, it still presents safety concerns.

So perhaps the next time the city lobbies for a reduction in speed limits on the highway, they’ll be successful in all of their efforts.

It’s wonderful news that some progress was made, but it would be beneficial for safety if the state were to further reduce the speed limits.