A gaggle of disgruntled citizens petitioned Allen County commissioners Tuesday morning to do something about the traffic problems arising from the recent closure of U.S. 169 between Iola and Humboldt.
In response, Commissioners said they would lower the speed limit on the old highway between Iola and Humboldt to 45 mph.
The official detour is along highways 54 and 75 and K-39 through Yates Center and Buffalo and Chanute. But, between GPS and word of mouth, motorists are quickly learning of shorter routes including 1300 and 1400 streets, which are rock-covered arteries.
The official detour adds about 40 miles.
Increased traffic on the old highway generated comments.
Calvin Parker, who operates a truck garden at the north base of Humboldt Hill, said he counted 200 semi-trailers zip past during a two-hour period Friday morning while working in his greenhouse.
Others mentioned fears of having to turn on to or off the old highway to access their residences, as well as just the preponderance of traffic.
Darrin Petrowsky, area KDOT engineer, said additional signage was in the works, with the hope of directing more heavy trucks and other vehicles to the official detour. Signs at Chanute currently point out U.S. 169 is closed at Hawaii Road, just northeast of Humboldt. None mentions that once at the point drivers have the options of following rock roads or the old highway on north, including to U.S. 169 at the east edge of Iola.
A week ago commissioners decided to lower the speed south of Humboldt to 45 mph for about a mile beyond the city limit.
County officials also will look more closely at signs they have in place where errant motorists, particularly truck drivers, might wander onto rock roads, i.e. 1300 and 1400 streets.
We dont want big trucks on gravel or in Humboldt, said Chairman Tom Williams. However, whatever the county does is not going to be perfect.
Petrowsky said KDOTs assumption that no additional traffic on old 169, would occur was proven wrong within minutes after the newer highway was closed.
Sheriff Bryan Murphy said his officers would enforce 45 mph limits. Highway Patrol troopers also have been seen patrolling the old highway, and Humboldt officers often have had a presence where it enters their town.
The highway is expected to be closed for an 18-month rebuild.
