Opposition to Hwy 55 Speed Limit Raising

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is planning on raising the speed limit on Hwy 55 between Prairie Street and Vermillion Street. The speed change would go from the current 35 mph to 45 mph. Hastings City Council member Joe Balsanek has raised concerns that this section of Hwy 55 cuts through areas of high pedestrian traffic including The Hastings Aquatic Center, The Roadside Park with its playground and Veterans Memorial, Four city tennis courts, McNamara Stadium and Hastings Middle School. Councilmember Balsanek further points out that the only pedestrian crossing within that corridor is at Ashland Street which has no traffic control signal and the only traffic control signals allowing for pedestrian crosswalks are at either end of the corridor where Highway 55 is crossed at Vermillion, Pine and River Streets. Balsanek urges residents to contact MNDOTand voice their concern. He has also started a petition opposing the speed limit changes and asking for the addition of electrically illuminated pedestrian crossing signs at the intersection of Ashland Street and Hwy 55. Residents can sign the petition by emailing him at joebalsenek@gmail.com.