SPEED LIMIT STUDY- BELTRAMI COUNTY

The speed limit signs on Irvine Ave NW (Co Rd 15) in the Buena Vista area,

Birchmont Beach Rd NE (Co Rd 20) from Bemidji Rd to the Bemidji State Park

(these will be reposted on May 6, 2011) and Lavinia Rd NE (Co Rd 19) from the

Power Dam RD NE (Co Rd 12) to Lavinia proper have been temporarily removed

in conjunction with a study that MnDOT is conducting to determine appropriate

speed limits for these areas. The studies were requested by the County to

establish the safe and proper speed limits on these routes. Removal of the signs

allows drivers to travel at speeds they feel naturally comfortable and safe.

However, per the Minnesota speed limit law, no person shall drive a vehicle at a

speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. The statute

limits top speed to 55 mph unless posted otherwise or conditions dictate a slower

speed.

To determine the proper speed limit MnDOT conducts an engineering and traffic

investigation. The most important part of the traffic investigation is the speed

study. When choosing a speed, drivers take many roadway environment factors

into consideration. Therefore, the speed that the majority of people consider

prudent is an important value. Data is collected by performing radar checks at

selected locations on the roadway under ideal driving conditions. A technical

analysis is done on the results to determine the 85th percentile. This is the value

indicating the speed at which most (85%) drivers are traveling under. Experience

has shown that a posted speed limit near this value is the maximum safe and

reasonable speed. Studies have shown that traveling much faster or slower than

this value can increase your chance of being in a crash. Engineering judgment is

also an important tool. The traffic investigator will use knowledge of nationally

accepted principles combined with experience to assign the safe speed.

For more information on speed limits you can check out the MnDOT website

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html or contact Beltrami County Highway

Department 333-8173.