Essex speed limit drops

ESSEX, Iowa — Motorists along Highway 48 through Essex, Iowa, will have to watch their speed a little more closely after a decision to extend the 35 mph speed limit through the heart of town.

Essex Mayor Russ Hilker said the Iowa Department of Transportation has reversed an earlier decision not to lower the speed through Essex.

“They contacted me and said they were willing to do some negotiations,” Hilker said. “They agreed to extend our 35 mph zone a little bit, so we gained what we really wanted to get done.”

State officials also decided to extend the 55 mph zone further into city limits.

“We’re going to lose a little bit of 45 mph zone, but we gain the 35 mph zone,” Hilker said.