• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Elkhorn Officials Happy Highway 31 Speed Limit Not Set in Concrete

Posted on: Saturday, 21 January 2006, 18:00 CST

By Rick Ruggles

Don't say state government never listens.

The Nebraska Department of Roads agreed this week with the City of Elkhorn and will reduce the speed limit on a stretch of Highway 31.

The Department of Roads had been encouraged by the city, the Elkhorn Public Schools and State Sen. Dwite Pedersen of Elkhorn to reduce the speed limit from 55 mph over close to a two-mile stretch.

The speed limit will be 50 mph from Roundup Road north nearly to West Dodge Road, and 45 mph from the vicinity of West Dodge Road north to the viaduct over the train tracks.

The state widened a portion of Highway 31, also known as 204th Street, last year. The speed limit was 55 mph before it was widened to four lanes, but Elkhorn leaders said the widening gave drivers a false sense of safety to increase their speed. Elkhorn High School drivers turn onto Highway 31 off Veterans Drive and Roberts Street along the portion of road in question.

After turning down the request last fall, the Department of Roads received more complaints and analyzed the situation again. The department decided to make the change, which is expected to be approved by the Elkhorn City Council at a meeting on Jan. 31.

Although Highway 31 is a state road, the state desires consent from the city involved.

Elkhorn Public Schools Superintendent Roger Breed acted stunned by the state's decision. "Excellent," Breed said. "Excuse me while I splash cold water on my face."

Source: Omaha World - Herald

More News in this Category