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Commission adopts 45 mph posting on 48th Street after KDOT study
Summary
Following a KDOT traffic engineering study, Ellis County commissioners voted to increase the posted speed limit on 48th Street from 35 to 45 mph, citing observed travel speeds and engineering recommendations; staff will install signs as appropriate.
Ellis County adopted resolution 2026‑10 May 12 to change the posted speed limit on 48th Street from 35 mph to 45 mph after a Kansas Department of Transportation traffic engineering assistance study recommended the change.
Public‑works staff said the study — part of KDOT’s Traffic Engineering Assistance Program, which saved the county roughly $17,000 in consultant fees — found traffic was already traveling well over 35 mph and that a posted 45 mph better reflected safe operating speeds on the segment. "The traffic study showed that traffic's already going well over 35 miles an hour," staff said; they added KDOT recommended enforcement if speeds continue to exceed posted limits. Staff also noted statutory default speeds: unposted rural roadways are 55 mph under state law, and signage would be installed where the commission wanted posted limits.
Commissioners adopted the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to install signs as appropriate and coordinate with law enforcement on enforcement if needed. Staff also reported a prior recorded high speed of 93 mph on an unpaved section before improvements; commissioners said they could revisit signage if enforcement issues arise.
