Transportation commission continues Minnehaha speed-zone hearing, approves other ARSD amendments

The South Dakota Transportation Commission continued consideration of a proposed speed-zone change on Highway 115 in Minnehaha County and adopted a set of other administrative-rule amendments at its Sept. 22 meeting in Sioux Falls.

Karla Engle of the Department’s Office of Legal Counsel told the Commission the proposed ARSD 70:01:02:01 change would establish a 45-miles-per-hour zone on Highway 115 north of the I-90 ramp in Minnehaha County but that additional Minnehaha changes are pending. Engle asked the Commission to continue the Highway 115 hearing to Oct. 29 so all Minnehaha County amendments can be considered together. A motion by Commissioner Mike Vehle, seconded by Don Roby, to continue the hearing to Oct. 29 carried by roll-call vote (all present voted aye).

Engle also explained amendments the Department recommended for other speed zones and related rule sections. The Commission approved reductions and reclassifications including a 30-mph limit for a 1.2-mile segment of Highway 248 through Kadoka (changed from 45 mph because of business, residential and school approaches and pedestrian presence) and a 55-mph limit for a 0.6-mile segment of U.S. Highway 83 south of the current 45-mph zone west of Onida (a reduction from 65 mph to 55 mph due to increased ethanol-plant truck traffic). The Commission voted to adopt ARSD 70:01:02:39, 70:01:02:59 and portions of 70:07 (definitions/debarment procedures) by voice vote; RESOLUTION #2026–9.1 was adopted.