DOT: 35 mph Signs Here to Stay at 240/395 Interchange

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

When heading east on 240 toward the Blue Bridge, drivers go from 60 mph down to 35 and then back up to 55 over the bridge. We wanted to know, is the 35 mile per hour limit here to stay?

Story Published: Mar 17, 2010 at 6:09 PM PST

KENNEWICK, Wash. -- It's a change that's gotten people talking ever since the revamp of the Blue Bridge. When heading east on State Route 240 toward the Blue Bridge, the speed limit suddenly, and some people say, drastically, changes.

Drivers go from 60 mph down to 35 around the bend and then back up to 55 over the bridge in a seemingly short span at the interchange. We wanted to know, is the 35 mile per hour limit here to stay?

The WA State Department of Transportation says "yes."

After the Blue Bridge project was completed, WSDOT Project Engineer Moe Davari said there were a number of accidents and safety issues around the bend so they lowered the limit. Plus, an engineering study determined that 35 was the right speed.

At the end of March, crews will do some permanent striping and traffic control. They'll also do another engineering and speed study.