10/28/2013
REMINDER: Night speed-limit reduction on Idaho 75 begins Wednesday
HAILEY – Changes in the speed limit along Idaho 75 north of Hailey will begin on Wednesday (Oct. 30), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The speed limit will be a night-time reduction to 45 mph between McKercher Boulevard and Zinc Spur, a distance of about 2.5 miles, meant to decrease the number of collisions and fatalities involving wildlife. The speed limit during the day will remain 55 mph.
Additional speed-limit signing will be installed to designate the start and end of the reduced speed zone and includes light-sensitive warning beacons. Weather permitting, installation will take place throughout the day on Wednesday and be in effect that evening.
The speed-reduction zone was determined following a study of the wildlife collisions in the Hailey-to-Ketchum corridor and included exact locations, time of day, weather, and light conditions. Idaho 75, in the area north of Hailey, had the highest number of nighttime collisions, with most occurring during dry and clear conditions.
During the 2007-2013 study period, 32 of 60 crashes in the 2.5-mile section involved wildlife. Of the crashes involving wildlife, 23 occurred in dark conditions, while four others coming during dawn or dusk.