After a local citizen wanted the Hutchinson City Council to look into lowering the speed limit on 30th between Lorraine and K-61 because of the New Dillons Marketplace Store opening and two school zones being in that area, city staff was asked to conduct another traffic study of the area.
The speed limit is currently 45 mph along that area of 30th, and the resident wanted it lowered to 35 mph.
The city did a second study of three sections of the road, between Lorraine and Waldron, between Waldron and Halstead, and between Halstead and K-61. The second study was done during off-peak hours on September 10 and 11.
They say the latest study shows the same thing as the last one, that the speed should stay 45 mph. Most drivers were going at or near the speed limit, with most slightly under. Staff will also recommend that the area be monitored for six months to see if the traffic pattern should change or if there is a large increase of speed related accidents.
In the two school zones, that being Union Valley and Central Christian, drivers are required to slow to 20 mph twice a day, the mornings and late afternoons on school days. There is also a turn lane for traffic going into the new Dillon’s Marketplace. The city upgraded the intersection of 30th & Waldron and Waldron Street itself to accommodate traffic to the new store as well as to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.
Again, the City Council will take up the speed issue again at their meeting next Tuesday morning.
Also, because of the construction on City Hall, the City Council meetings are being moved to the Fire Command and Training Center located at 3201 East 4th Street.
The meetings will not be televised on Cox Cable 7, because of the meetings being moved.