(Hurricane, UT) - Speed limits are being raised on two busy Hurricane City roadways on the north and south side of town in an effort to help traffic move more smoothly. The changes involve 600 North and a significant portion of Sand Hollow Road that takes drivers around Sand Hollow Reservoir.

The speed limit on 600 North from 950 West to around 3300 West has been raised to 45 miles per hour. Signs alerting drivers to this change have been installed. Motorists turning off of SR-9 onto Sand Hollow Road will notice the speed limit has been raised to 45 miles per hour from SR-9 to Dixie Springs Drive, and to 55 miles per hour beginning just south of Dixie Springs Drive and continuing on to just south of 3000 South on the back side of the reservoir. At this point the speed limit is reduced to 45 miles per hour and continues at this speed along the newly improved 3000 South to 1100 West.

New speed limit signs are also posted along Sand Hollow Road and 3000 South. The changes were made following a Utah Department of Transportation speed study along the two roadways in question, said Hurricane City Engineer Arthur LeBaron. “We based these changes on results of the speed study and in consultation with UDOT,” said LeBaron. “We also received input from citizens, law enforcement, the courts and residents.”

The speed survey involves using traffic counters for more than one week along a specific route and then determining the 85th percentile of traffic speed in that location. “We also took into consideration other factors such as hazards, sight limitations, nearby schools, curbs, and so on to arrive at these speed limits,” LeBaron said. While the speed limits have increased along sections of 600 North and Sand Hollow Road, there are also advisory speeds posted prior to curves in the roadways. “We recommend everyone obey these advisory speeds along the curves,” said Hurricane City Police Chief Lynn Excell. Enforcement of the new speed limits begins immediately.