TOPEKA (KSNT) – Work crews are swapping out the speed limit signs on a highway north of Emporia this week as the top speed is reduced.
The Lyon County government announced on March 17 in a social media post that the speed limit on K-99 north of the City of Emporia will be reduced to 45 mph. The previous speed limit was 60 mph.
The section of K-99 impacted by this move consists of a stretch of the highway from the Emporia city limits to where it meets Road 187, according to the Lyon County government. Both sides of Olpe on K-99 will also be brought down from 60 mph to 50 mph for a short distance.
The Lyon County government said the Kansas Department of Transportation notified it about the speed limit changes on March 17. KDOT workers are currently installing new speed limit signs to reflect these changes.
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Drivers are asked to exhibit caution when driving on the K-99 highway sections listed above and adjust their speed according to the newly assigned speed limits for these areas.
Kim Stich with KDOT told 27 News the new speed changes will be permanent. She said the new speed limit reductions will help drivers enter urban areas more safely.
“Instead of the speed limit dropping from 60 mph to 30 mph, there is now a transition zone that takes it to 45 mph, making the reduction in speed more gradual,” Stich said. “KDOT has been taking steps to update locations similar to this to help create a safer transition for drivers into slower speeds within city limits.”
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