Speed limit to drop on Kansas Avenue east of Riley – News Radio KMAN

Story by Emma Loura / The Manhattan Mercury:

Drivers heading into Riley from the east will need to start hitting the brakes a bit sooner.

The Riley County commission on Monday approved a request to lower the speed limit on Kansas Avenue east of Riley from 45 mph to 30 mph and place a flashing light there to alert drivers to slow down.

The decrease will affect the stretch of Kansas Avenue between the town’s eastern limit to a spot 500 feet east of Pheasant Ridge Road. That portion is a relatively straight, flat two-lane paved road with narrow shoulders.

The request came after the county conducted a speed study in the area and determined that the average driver hit the Riley east city limit at an average speed of 34 mph. County documents say the 85th percentile speed — at which speed limits are normally set — at the east city limit is 39 mph but that in this case, officials should consider the residential areas along Kansas Avenue, which increase the number of cars, pedestrians and bikers there.

Riley County Grade School and Riley East Park are within walking distance, and a neighbor reported to those doing the study that they had seen pedestrians walking along the road to and from the school and park.

County public works director John Ellermann, who made the pitch to commissioners, said the flashing yellow light will help indicate the speed-limit change to drivers.

“I’d like to suggest we put up a flashing light on these signs,” Ellermann said, “That way it draws attention to that sign, and it’s a big sign to make drivers aware that they need to slow down.”

Ellermann said the solar-powered light would cost about $2,500 including installation. Putting up and relocating speed-limit signs would cost less than $500.

He said the solar-powered light would cost about $2,500 including installation. Putting up and relocating speed-limit signs would cost less than $500.