The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDot) recently announced speed limit changes for a portion of Highway 282 in Scott County.
At the end of September, the portion of roadway on Highway 282 from Minnesota Valley Electric Drive (County Road 10) outside of Jordan to the County Road 17 (Marshall Road)/Highway 13 intersection (highlighted in yellow on map below) was increased from 55 to 60 miles per hour.
The increase is the result of a state-wide, 5-year MnDOT study that examined past crash rates, physical attributes of the highway, and an analysis of current driving speeds of all Minnesota two-lane roadways with a speed of 55 miles per hour.
Another change that took place was a decrease in the speed limit from 55 to 45 miles per hour on Highway 282 between East Street in Jordan and Minnesota Valley Electric Drive (County Road 10) (highlighted in green on map below).
Minnesota’s speed regulations are based on the concept that highways can operate safely at certain maximum speeds under IDEAL conditions. Drivers are reminded that traveling too fast for conditions, such as on snow covered or icy roads, is illegal and can be issued a citation even if they are not exceeding the posted speed limit.
“The safety of drivers is the top priority and even though speeds may go up, that doesn’t mean speed enforcement will go down,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “Drivers will also need to be particularly mindful of the transition into this lower speed limit area, as it is now a 15 mile per hour difference.”
The portion of Hwy 282 highlighted in YELLOW is the 60 mph section; the portion highlighted in GREEN is the 45 mph section.