(Speed Limit Sign - KIWA Staff Photo)Rock Valley and Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Drivers on two Sioux County roads near Rock Valley and Sioux Center will soon see new 45-mile-per-hour speed zones designed to create a more gradual transition between rural and urban speed limits.
The Sioux County Board of Supervisors approved the proposed changes Nov. 10th. County Engineer Joel Sikkema says the Sioux Center change can proceed, while the Rock Valley change also requires approval from its city’s council.
Sikkema says intermediate speed zones help drivers adjust as they enter or leave areas near cities.
K-30 South of Rock Valley
One change would affect Elmwood Avenue, also known as County Road K-30, south of Rock Valley.
The proposal would extend an existing 45-mph zone farther south to 320th Street. South of that point, the speed limit remains 60 mph.
Sikkema says growing housing development on the southeast side of Rock Valley also influenced the recommendation.
B-44 West of Sioux Center
The second change affects County Road B-44, also known as 400th Street, west of Sioux Center.
A new 45-mph zone will be established between existing 35-mph and 60-mph speed limits, creating a transition area for drivers approaching the city. Sikkema says nearby homes along the roadway helped justify the adjustment.
Signs Coming Soon
Sikkema says new speed limit signs will be installed during the coming weeks, depending on crew schedules.
The Sioux Center location is outside city limits, so Sikkema says that change can proceed without an additional City Council vote.
Sikkema expects both speed limit changes to be posted by the end of the year.
