County discusses speed-zone changes entering Jim Falls; DOT backs advance reduction

County highway staff presented a first reading of Ordinance 9-25, proposing adjustments to speed zones on the west approach into Jim Falls to slow traffic in advance of a 25 mph segment.

A staff presenter explained that a resident requested a speed reduction near a school-bus stop area, prompting a speed study. That study showed no warrant for the requested reduction at the bus-stop location, but it identified a different segment approaching Jim Falls where adding a transition would improve safety. "DOT did back this," the presenter said, noting that the proposal changes the approach so traffic reduces earlier before reaching the 25 mph zone.

Supervisors asked whether DOT would support lower posted speeds in other nearby segments; staff said DOT generally will not approve a reduced speed limit without more substantial roadway modifications such as gutters or sidewalks. The board heard that the affected approach includes a Department of Natural Resources fire station and several driveways, which provided the rationale for the advance transition.

Because this was a first reading, no vote was taken. The ordinance will return for further consideration after required studies and engineering review.