A speed study request by the City of Kalona will result in speed limit reductions for the area. The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted to approve changes at the request of a speed study and Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius. According to the report from Thorius, a speed study was requested for 133rd Street and Nutmeg Avenue around the Southtown area; the area has been experiencing significant development growth with residences, trails, and a park. The Washington County Engineer’s Office, in conjunction with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a speed study to determine the appropriate speed limits in the area. In addition, they studied the roads in and around the unincorporated area of Richmond to assess speeds. Data was collected in August and September of 2024 and a review of the roads was conducted in October 2024. On Tuesday, the Supervisors approved lowering the speed limits to the areas. A full list of those changes can be found with this news story at KCIIRadio.com.
Upon completion of the data collection and review of the area, the Washington County Engineer’s Office recommends: Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 45 mph on 133rd Street from Highway 1 east to Nutmeg Avenue.
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 35 mph on Nutmeg Avenue (Main Street) from 133rd Street south to a distance 630 feet north of 140th Street (Howard Street).
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 25 mph on Nutmeg Avenue. (Main Street) from 630 feet north of 140th Street (Howard Street) to 150th Street (Hickory Street).
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 25 mph on the following streets within the unincorporated town of Richmond:
North Street
South Street
Jefferson Street
Amvets Road
Buchanan Street
Washington Street
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 25 mph on 150th Street (Hickory Street) from Nutmeg Avenue (Main Street) west to the end of 150th Street
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 45 mph on 140th Street (Howard Street) from Amvets Road to Washington Street
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 25 mph on 140th Street (Howard Street) from Washington Street to 800 feet east of Nutmeg Avenue (Main Street)
Reducing the existing speed limit of 55 mph to 35 mph on 140th Street (Howard Street) from 800 feet east of Nutmeg Avenue (Main Street) to 1400 feet east of Nutmeg Avenue (Main Street)