Beginning Nov. 18, 2024, the speed limit on WIS 32 between County KR and Sheridan Road in Kenosha County will be reduced to 35 MPH. This decrease (from 45 MPH) is a result of a collaborative pilot between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Kenosha County, the City of Kenosha, and the Village of Somers, intending to enhance safety.
WisDOT’s engineering analysis of the WIS 32 corridor identified patterns of rear-end and angle crashes as well as concerns for bicyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, speed studies observed vehicles traveling in excess of 80 MPH, far exceeding what is safe.
The new 35 MPH speed limit is intended to reduce crash-related fatalities and injuries within this corridor. Starting Nov. 18, partners will launch high-visibility efforts to educate the public about the new speed limit and the importance of adhering to it, including:
• Numerous speed limit signs throughout the corridor
• Dynamic speed signs showing drivers their speed compared to the speed limit
• Temporary electronic message boards at the entry points of the reduced speed zone notifying drivers of the change
• Increased State and County law enforcement presence along the corridor, focusing on visibility and education
“Reducing the speed limit is a critical step toward improving safety on this stretch of road,” said Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner. “Higher speeds lead to more dangerous crashes, and our goal is to reduce the risk of injury and fatalities.”
Speeding continues to be a serious issue across Wisconsin, with excessive speeding being among the most common causes of traffic crashes. In 2023, there were 16,403 speed-related crashes statewide, resulting in 176 fatalities and over 6,500 injuries. On average, someone was injured or killed in a speed-related crash every 1.3 hours. The consequences of speeding include a higher risk of losing vehicle control, reduced effectiveness of seat belts, increased stopping distances, and a greater risk of severe injuries.
Ongoing speed studies and crash analysis will help evaluate the effectiveness of the speed limit reduction and guide future roadway improvements.
