Bremer County posts 45 mph limit for repaved mile of Joplin Avenue

The Bremer County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to post a 45 mph speed limit on a repaved mile of Joplin Avenue after staff review found vertical curves, limited sight distance and increased driveways warranted the change.

County road staff explained that without signs Joplin would default to 60 mph under recent statutory changes; their field review determined the road characteristics and adjacent development support a 45 mph posting. The engineer recommended consistency with neighboring Hess Road and C50 postings and said, “we're recommending it be posted to 45 going forward.”

Staff noted that required secondary items—curve postings, reduced-speed-ahead signs and no-passing-zone checks—have been reviewed and mostly meet standards; about 30 signs will be updated initially using regulatory stickers over existing signs. Enforcement will follow whatever speed is posted on signs until updates are completed.

The board approved the speed-limit resolution by voice vote and directed the sign crew to start updating signs immediately. The county said they will coordinate with the sheriff’s office on enforcement during the transition.