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Portage County Highway Committee keeps 55 mph on contested segment, approves targeted studies
Summary
The Portage County Highway Committee voted to maintain a 55 mph speed limit on the Interstate 39–county line segment after reviewing a nine-day speed study; the committee also approved a separate, more in‑depth study on County Highway R with costs split among local jurisdictions.
The Portage County Highway Committee on Sept. 16 reviewed two separate speed concerns and took two distinct actions: it voted to retain a 55 mph posted limit on a segment from Interstate 39 to the county line after debate, and it authorized a further, paid consultant study of County Highway R with the City of Stevens Point and the town sharing the cost.
A staff presenter (speaker S3) summarized a nine‑day speed study on the Interstate 39–county line segment showing an average user speed near 45 mph and explained geometric and sight‑distance constraints that complicate a blanket reduction. "Ultimately, that determined the 55 mile an hour speed limit, show that the average user of that roadway going about 45 miles an hour," the presenter said, and recommended leaving the posted limit in place.
Chair (speaker S1) moved to change the posting to 45 mph but discussion followed about crash patterns and local conditions. A subsequent motion to deny the request and leave the posting at 55 mph carried; the committee recorded the motion as passing and the chair declared the motion adopted.
Separately, the committee took up a resident‑initiated concern on County Highway R, where staff recommended an in‑depth engineering study to evaluate intersections, sight distance and turning movements. Chair (S1) told the committee that prior 72‑hour counts and intersection analyses suggested higher percentile speeds in some areas and that some crashes were intersection‑related. A motion that the additional consultant study be pursued with the cost split between the county, the City of Stevens Point and the town (Tunnel Hall) passed.
Why it matters: keeping the posted limit preserves the status quo while the commission pursues targeted engineering study where safety questions persist; splitting study costs with municipal partners is intended to broaden technical analysis and share expense.
What happens next: staff will schedule and scope the County Highway R consultant study and return cost estimates; the committee will act on study outcomes and any formal speed‑limit changes following further engineering analysis.
