Lower speed limit set for first mile of S. Touchet Road

DAYTON–The BOCC approved Resolution 2022-15 at an evening public hearing. Resolution 2022-15 stated, "The County Engineer has performed such an investigation for the first mile of South Touchet Road which indicates that the average intersection spacing is one eighth of a mile and the average driveway spacing is less than 300 feet. Although the horizontal and vertical geometry and clear zone in the first mile of the South Touchet Road are designed for fifty (50) miles per hour, it is the County Engineer's opinion that the spacing of the intersections and driveways on the South Touchet Road justifies setting the maximum lawful speed limit at thirty-five (35) miles per hour on South Touchet Road (Road No. 1325-08) from milepost 0.00 to milepost 1.00. Thirty-five (35) miles per hour maximum speed limit signs will be placed on the South Touchet Road for the first mile of the road."

Several South Touchet residents were present to comment in support of lowering the speed. Suggestions were given to extend the speed reduction of 35 mph to at least the Harding Grade which would also reduce the speed changes from three to two. Weiland and the Commissioners were in support of this, but Weiland expressed concern that drivers will not abide by the slower speed limit and also noted that signage would have to placed where there currently is none because of the assumed county speed limit of 50 mph where not posted. Amerein motioned to amend the resolution to extend the 35 mph speed reduction to the Harding Grade and add a speed reduction of 40 mph from the Harding Grade to the end of the pavement. The amendment was passed unanimously.