SPEED LIMIT REDUCED TO 55MPH

Speed limit on Highway 16 to be reduced

BOISE – The speed limit along a dangerous stretch of Highway 16 will be reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph next week.

The Idaho Transportation Department will reduce the posted speed limits along a four-mile stretch of Idaho 16 from the junction of Idaho 44 north to milepost 4.

Transportation officials are hoping the change will improve driver safety and lead to fewer crashes, or reduce the severity of crashes on that stretch of highway.  The speed limit from milepost 4 to near Emmett is already 55 mph.

ITD reports there have been 55 crashes in that area over the past five years.

Local law enforcement plans to increase patrols to support the speed limit change.

Several other changes are recommended in the next six months on Idaho 16 after a recently completed roadway safety analysis.  Here is a list of those recommendations:

 

-  Upgrade and improve visibility of existing signs

-  Review speed limits throughout the Idaho 16 corridor

-  More frequent patrols by law enforcement

-  Work with local planning and zoning agencies to promote more stringent access-management standards along the highway

-  Install breakaway sign supports that are more vehicle friendly in the event of a crash

-  Widen centerline and edgeline pavement markings and striping on curved sections to increase visibility

-  Reevaluate no-passing zones near Firebird Raceway

-  Review placement of stop bar locations at intersections

-  Remove roadside vegetation when possible to eliminate line-of-sight obstructions

-  Investigate adding lighting to intersections for safety