Commissioners adopt multiple rural speed‑limit changes after engineers' studies and public hearing

The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners on a unanimous series of votes approved updated speed limits for six county road segments after hearing Inberg Miller Engineers’ study findings and extended public comment.

Gary Steele of Inberg Miller told the commissioners the firm used vehicle counters and the Wyoming Department of Transportation speed‑study manual to measure traffic volumes and speeds and calculate the 85th and 50th percentiles. “People tend to drive these roads where they feel comfortable,” Steele said, describing the 85th‑percentile approach that guides recommended limits.

Public Works reviewed the studies and agreed with most recommended limits while suggesting modest reductions in a few locations for continuity with adjacent signed speeds. Following discussion and public input, the board adopted the recommendations as follows: Reese Road (southern half) — 50 mph; Reese Road (north of US‑30) — 55 mph; Westat Road — 50 mph; Whitney Road (county portion north of Foxglove/approximately 1.3 miles north of US‑30) — 50 mph; Christianson Road — 55 mph; Iron Mountain Road (two segments) — 55 mph.

Residents who spoke at the public hearing emphasized safety concerns on some corridors. Michael White urged commissioners to honor earlier corridor work and resist raising speeds on portions of Whitney Road; Randy Byers and Lucinda Braid said limited shoulders, sight‑distance issues, bicycle traffic and wildlife warranted caution. Byers asked whether the board had received public requests to increase speeds; Public Works replied it had not received requests to raise speeds but had posted the studies for public review.

Commissioners debated the tradeoffs between strict adherence to the 85th‑percentile recommendation and local safety concerns. One commissioner said setting a posted speed substantially below what motorists routinely drive can encourage dangerous passing; another voiced concern about cyclists, sight lines and impending development on Whitney. The chair noted a legal risk in knowingly setting a speed below engineering guidance. Commissioners repeatedly requested additional signage and safety countermeasures where appropriate.

The board directed Public Works to implement agreed signage and other mitigations (rumble strips and warning signs where engineers recommended them) and to maintain continuity with neighboring jurisdictions where possible. Each change was adopted by motion and roll call; votes were recorded as unanimous ayes among members present.