After KDOT study, Ellis County sets 48th Street speed limit at 45 mph

Ellis County commissioners adopted a resolution on May 12 to raise the posted speed limit on 48th Street from 35 miles per hour to 45 mph in nonresidential stretches after a KDOT traffic engineering assistance study recommended the change.

Public Works staff said the study found prevailing traffic speeds exceed the posted 35 mph and recommended 45 mph as a safe posted speed in the nonresidential portion; the program provided the study at no cost to the county but required substantial time. Staff also noted that the statutory default speed on unposted rural roads in Kansas is 55 mph and that signs can be installed if the commission prefers posted limits; staff recommended not posting additional signs unless necessary because signs are exposed to wind damage and vandalism. The presentation referenced a highest recorded speed of 93 mph on a nearby unpaved section during prior counts.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker moved adoption of Resolution 2026-10 and the board approved the measure by voice vote. Staff said a county sign technician would install postings as requested and the sheriff’s office could provide targeted enforcement if elevated speeds persist.