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Speed Limit Drop on STH 32 in Somers is Supported by Local Officials

Nov. 17, 2024 11a; Updated 11-18

(WGTD)---A speed reduction plan in Kenosha County, supported by everyone from the county executive down to Somers village board members, took effect Monday, much to the dismay of some local drivers who've already expressed their opinions on social media.

A pilot plan to reduce the speed limit on Sheridan Rd. between County 'K-R' and the north end of the Carthage College campus from 45 mph to 35 mph appears to have universal support of local officials, based on the turnout at a news conference called to stress the importance of slowing down. 

The intent is to reduce a large number of crashes on the corridor, which is notable for the number of private driveways that empty out into the busy four-lane. "We don't want to write a lot of citations," said Kenosha County Sheriff Dave Zoerner. "We just want to slow traffic down." 

In addition to local officials, residents who live along the highway firmly support the reduction, said Somers Village President George Stoner. 

The 45 mph limit on Sheridan in Mt. Pleasant won't be affected. 

A plan to couple the 35 mph limit with a proposal from the state Department of Transportation to reduce traffic to one lane in either direction was roundly rejected by local officials, according to Stoner. That plan would've enabled construction of better-designed turn lanes and bike paths and sidewalks. The hope is lower speeds will negate the need for the new design. 

The new speed limit on Sheridan is being enforced by extra patrols from the Sheriff's Dept. and the State Patrol. 

Stoner said speeding is the top complaint he gets from village residents.   

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