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Laramie County raises speed limits on several rural roads after Inberg Miller studies and public hearings
Summary
After traffic studies by Inberg Miller Engineers and public comment, the board set new speed limits for multiple county roads: Reese South 50 mph; Reese North 55 mph; Weststead 50 mph; Whitney (county section) 50 mph; Christianson 55 mph; both Iron Mountain segments 55 mph. Commissioners discussed sight lines, cyclists, and enforcement.
The Laramie County Board of County Commissioners on March 3 adopted several speed‑limit changes on rural county roads after presentations by Inberg Miller Engineers and a period of public comment.
Traffic engineer Gary Steele of Inberg Miller described the firm’s methodology: counters recorded vehicle volumes and speeds, and the study reports 85th‑percentile and 50th‑percentile speeds that inform recommended posted limits under the Wyoming Department of Transportation guidance. "People tend to drive these roads where they feel comfortable," Steele said, explaining why recommendations track measured travel speeds.
Following Steele’s presentations and input from county public works, the board approved the following changes by separate motions and roll‑call votes: Reese Road (south segment) to 50 mph and Reese Road (north) to 55 mph; Weststead Road to 50 mph; Whitney Road (county portion north of the city boundary) to 50 mph after extensive public comment and commissioner debate; Christianson Road (study segment north of Highway 30) to 55 mph; and both studied segments of Iron Mountain Road to 55 mph (Public Works had recommended 55 mph for continuity where engineers recommended up to 60 mph).
Residents speaking during the Whitney and Iron Mountain hearings urged caution. Michael White and Randy Byers, residents who referenced a prior Whitney corridor study and local roadway geometry, argued the county section has narrow widths, limited shoulders and sight‑distance issues that make raising the posted limit risky. "I would recommend that we not increase the speed limit on Whitney Road," White said. Randy Byers said the corridor’s lack of shoulders and S‑curves make any increase questionable.
Other commissioners and residents noted enforcement and mitigation options: Public Works told the board it would add cautionary signage, rumble strips and advanced warnings on several approaches; the board discussed rumble strips and the option of flashing stop signs at high‑risk intersections. Commissioners also cited liability and continuity considerations when setting speeds below or above engineer recommendations.
Each road change was adopted by roll call. The actions were tied to Inberg Miller’s study data and Public Works’ concurrence; in several cases the board selected a posted speed lower than the firm’s upper recommendation but within the study’s 50th–85th percentile range to balance measured travel behavior and safety concerns.
