Speed limit on Highway 7

It's funny because Terry and I were having this discussion in the office today. I see no reason the speed limit shouldn't be 40 MPH all the way through the new stretch to Casey's General Store. It's four lanes with either a center median or a turning lane in between.

Before the reconstruction, I understood the 30 MPH between Michgan and Montana because there was residences near the road, but now I believe the road is built in a way that can handle 40 MPH.

Plus, everytime a car gets pulled over in that stretch, they are going to use I didn't see the change in speeds. Just make it one speed to create less confusion.

I believe 35 mph may be what is settled on for the Highway 7 speed limit it the area from Fifth Avenue Northeast to about Emans Auto Sales, but I wouldn't be surprised to see 40 mph (or it being left at 30 mph), which was the speed limit west of there, and is again. And yes, the residential driveways will be an issue.

My understanding is that one thing MnDOT looks at is what the average driver thinks the speed limit should be relative to the conditions of the roadway and thus, how they are driving. If a roadway gives drivers the impression that the speed limit should be 40 mph, but is really 30, they are likely to ignore it more often.

Another street that needs study is Edmonton Avenue between Highway 15 on the west and Jefferson Street on the east. For the most part it is unmarked, but since it is a city street, the speed limit is 30 mph. However, between Montreal and Jefferson, there are no driveways and only two lightly traveled intersections at Sherwood and Calgary along the entire 3/4 mile stretch. Most motorists appear to be driving 35-40 mph. Maybe the limits should be raised to one of those there. After all, a similar stretch of South Grade from Dale Street to School Road, is 35 and that goes by a school and has more driveways off of it. (The difference is the center turn lane on South Grade.)

I think we all forget that at one time, it was difficult to see the river at the 7/15 intersection over all the cars in the sales lot there, the sales lot office itself, and the three houses that once stood between there and Hardees.

So while the view is blocked more than it was two years ago after the car dealer left, it is actually more open than it was about 10 years ago. Plus, the road at the intersection is a few feet higher than it was. In addition, more vistas were created in the areas of James and Water streets with the creation of a pair of storm water retention ponds.

(Terry Davis is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)

I was very surprised to see the 30 mph speed limit still posted on the newly opened stretch of Highway 7. It is very difficult to stay at the speed limit for that long distance. Every driver on the stretch with me agreed as they all passed me driving at least 40 mph.

It feels like it should be a 40 mph zone. If we are taking a vote, that is mine.

This topic seems to have two separate subjects, so I'll comment on the second.

Even with the blocked view of the river, the corner of Highways 7 and 15 is a big improvement to the city. It is so nice and open in whatever direction you look.

If someone really needs to see the river, it isn't that difficult to do so. It's still a nice drive around the sanctuary.

The little park to the south side of the dam isn't back in place yet, but that is a possibility for being made into more of a Hutchinson attraction. It's barely been noticed in the past.

The removal of the Utilities building would be a great improvement and could present a new opportunity to develop a river view. Are we willing to foot the costs of that?

I, for one, am thankful for the needed improvements to Highway 7. It has added much to our city. The aesthetics are a secondary consideration, and I believe they will come.

I think the speed limit should be 4o mph all the way through and extended even farther to the west up to where the the lakes are. The speed limit is 60 mph within the city limits by Illinois St., in a residential area to the west, with houses just feet away from Hwy. 7 here. I have seen people illegally passing on the shoulder as someone is trying to make a turn to this residential area and have lost control because they are traveling at 60 mph through here. More than one accident has occured here because of this. I think it should be made safe traveling through all of residential Hutchinson. And if the speed limit is being looked at now, they should really include this area. Several residents of this area have requested a change in speed limit for this area before because of safety and because of semi trucks causing loud noise as they are jake braking. MNDot says they will not change it here when called by these residents.

Does it really matter what the speed limit is? If you keep the speed limit at 30, people are just going to go 40-45 or more. If you change it to 40 or 45, people are going to go 50-55. Somebody should just make the desicion and stick with it, whether that be keeping it at 30 or changing it to 40-45.

Sorry I forgot about Silver Lake. You blink and you are through it, but there too the speed limit is 45 on a two lane with privet drive ways.

For those who haven't driven Highway 7 today, the speed limit has been raised from 30 to 40 between Montana Street and Michigan Street - although the old 45 section between Michigan and the city limits is now down from 45 to 40.

It sure makes it easier for everyone when the speed is constant. Great job MnDot.