9/11/2009
Speed limit on I-15 in Idaho Falls to be lowered to 65 mph on Wednesday (Sept. 16)
RIGBY - The
speed limit on a portion of Interstate 15 in Idaho Falls will be lowered permanently to 65
mph on Wednesday (Sept. 16), the
Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The speed limit will be reduced for a two‑mile stretch of I‑15 from 30 yards
south of Pancheri Drive Overpass (milepost 117.7) to about 100 yards north of
the U.S. Highway 20 on‑ramp (milepost 119.7).
The transportation department will place new signs Monday (Sept. 14) and
Tuesday (Sept. 15) and uncover them on Wednesday morning by 10 a.m. Crews will place the
new signs on each side of the northbound and southbound highway.
The reduction in speed limit stems from a speed zone study by traffic engineers
of District 6 in Rigby. Engineers determined that an increase in traffic
volume, close spacing of interchanges 118 and 119, short weaving areas along the
route and tight curves on interchange on‑ramps naturally slow motorists to
speeds lower than the area's posted limit of 75 mph.
Speed limits are intended to supplement the driver's judgment in determining
what is a reasonable speed for particular road and weather conditions.
In addition, crash history reveals an increase in sideswipe and lane‑change
crashes near the 118 and 119 interchanges. The Idaho Transportation Board approved the speed limit reduction in August.
Motorists should watch for highway crews in I-15 medians and on shoulders
Monday through Wednesday.
Idaho State Police will patrol the interstate in Idaho Falls throughout the
week.
For driving conditions on Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web
site at 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5‑1‑1 in the state. Outside Idaho, dial toll‑free
(888) 432‑7623. Information is updated as conditions change on state highways.