Knox County lowers speed limit on County Highway 30 after public pleas

The Knox County Board on March 25 approved an ordinance altering the speed zone on County Highway 30, reducing a posted 45 mph segment to 35 mph and adding extra caution signage for curves after public comment that included pleas from family members of a fatal crash victim.

Janine Glass, who said her sister was paralyzed in a catastrophic crash on the stretch, urged the board to reduce the speed limit to slow drivers and prevent similar injuries. "I know nothing will bring my sister back, but I'm hoping that reducing the speed limit in that area will also help prevent future catastrophic accidents," Glass told the board. Jim Jacobs, who also urged approval, said he had discussed the matter with residents and encouraged the board to adopt the change.

County staff and the county engineer referenced a completed speed study and recommended the reduction to 35 mph; one alderman emailed the board requesting a 25 mph limit for part of the corridor after bike-path work is finished, which board members said could be revisited later. Members also noted enforcement activity: a board member reported nearly 200 speeding citations on that stretch between Feb. 14 and March 23 after directed patrols.

The motion to adopt the ordinance passed by roll call with 13 "yes" votes. Board members said the measure responds to resident safety concerns while preserving the option of a future, targeted reduction to 25 mph where warranted by studies and changing conditions.

Next steps: the ordinance takes effect per county procedure and staff will coordinate signage and any follow-up speed studies if residents or aldermen request further reductions.