Drivers along a stretch of 70th Avenue from Iowa Highway 7 south to 610th Street between Alta and Storm Lake will see a new speed limit starting immediately, after the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to raise the limit to 55 miles per hour across a two-mile span at its regularly scheduled weekly meeting Tuesday morning at the county courthouse in Storm Lake.
Previously, the roadway featured two speed zones—35 miles per hour on the north side and 45 miles per hour on the south side. Following public feedback and analysis by the county engineer and sheriff’s department, officials opted for uniformity.
Board chair Paul Merten said the Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department used radar to study traffic patterns and found that most vehicles were already traveling above the posted limits.
Concerns were also raised about semi-truck engine braking noise in the area, prompting the board of supervisors to consider a future resolution to post “engine brake” restriction signs.
The board noted that truck traffic tends to regulate speeds naturally, and that raising the limit will better reflect the rural road’s layout and usage.
Merten originally had proposed to only raise the speed by 10 miles per hour in both directions, to 45 and 55 miles per hour. However, board member Kathy Croker thought it would be better to set the speed at 55 miles per hour for both directions. She made a motion for her suggestion, which was seconded by board member Dan Hartman, who noted the safety of the road.
The motion passed 3-1. Board member Kelly Snyder cast the lone dissenting vote, as he preferred to only raise the speed by 10 miles per hour in both directions. Board member Rhonda Riggenberg was not present at the meeting.
