Speed Limit Changes on Two Minidoka County Highways Start Wednesday

RUPERT, Idaho (News Release) – Drivers will see a reduced speed limit along two short sections of highway in Minidoka County near Heyburn and Burley. The new speed limits are expected to begin Wednesday.

The Idaho Transportation Department is reducing two short 55 mph speed-limit sections on Idaho 24 and Idaho 27 in the areas north of Interstate 84. Both locations will see an extension of the adjacent 45 mph speed zones to the north by about a half-mile each.

The speed limit on Idaho 24 will extend from the I-84 ramps north to near 300 South Road, past the Wayside Café and several other business access points. The 45 mph speed limit will also be extended to north of the 300 South Road intersection on Idaho 27 through an area of several business and residential access points.

The speed limit change is being completed following a speed and engineering traffic study requested by the Mini-Cassia Transportation Committee and is in cooperation with Minidoka County Sheriff Eric Snarr.

The recommendation for the speed limit change was based on traffic volumes, accident frequency and severity, and the number of roadway access points through each corridor.

“Speed limit reductions occur due to a handful of factors, but for these locations the primary reason was the roadside friction and feedback from local law enforcement, including the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Heyburn Police Department,” ITD Traffic Engineer Bruce Christensen said. “We appreciate our partnership and work closely with law enforcement to make roadway improvements to increase highway safety.”

Drivers are reminded that the current speed limits will remain in effect until the new signs have been posted.