Speed limit on two major highways reduced during school hours starting today
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department.
RIGBY — The speed limit on Idaho 48 west of Rigby will be reduced for school hours beginning Monday, Jan. 4. Crews will install new speed signs and associated flashing lights near four schools.
The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph near Rigby High School, Rigby Middle School, Jefferson Elementary School and Farnsworth Elementary School, effective when beacons are flashing. Beacons activate in conjunction with the school calendar.
The reduced speed limit will not be in effect at nights, on weekends or during school breaks.
Prompting the restriction were results of highway-engineering and safety studies requested by officials of the Jefferson School District and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
“Children come first, with safety our top priority,” said Jefferson School District Superintendent Lisa Sherick. “The reduced speed limit and flashing lights will help improve traffic and pedestrian safety for students and other citizens alike.”
The transportation department uses engineering and safety studies to determine what motorists consider reasonable, convenient and safe for existing conditions. Speed limits are intended to supplement driver judgment and are set at a level that studies indicate will be observed voluntarily.
Motorists should take extra care while road crews change speed limit signs and install flashers along Idaho 48 near the schools. Idaho State Police and local law enforcement officers will patrol the route during and after the speed-limit transition.
In addition, the posted speed limit on Idaho 33 in Tetonia will be reduced for school hours beginning Monday, Jan. 4. Crews will install 25 mph speed limit signs in the school zone, effective when beacons are flashing. Beacons activate in conjunction with the school calendar.
The reduced speed limit will not be in effect at nights, on weekends or during school breaks.
The speed restriction will be enforced for about two-tenths of a mile on Idaho 33 (Main Street) between Teton Avenue and 3000 West, where many students of Tetonia Elementary School cross the highway.
Prompting the restriction were results of highway-engineering and safety studies requested by officials of the Teton School District and Teton County Sheriff’s Office. The studies found average speeds near 40 mph through the school zone, with approximately 2,500 vehicles traveling this stretch of road daily.