MASON CITY — Thousands of motorists who regularly enter and leave Mason City on two of the community’s busiest highways could soon see a higher legal speed limit as city officials prepare to finalize changes allowing 60 mph travel on portions of Highway 122 and U.S. Highway 65 (pictured at top just south of town).
The Mason City City Council is scheduled to consider the third and final reading of the speed-limit ordinance during its Tuesday, September 15 meeting.
The changes would increase the limit from 55 mph to 60 mph on outer portions of both highways as Mason City brings its local code into line with changes already made by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
The change follows Iowa’s statewide increase in the default speed limit on certain highways from 55 mph to 60 mph where another limit is not specifically established.
NIT previously reported on the legislation as it moved through the Iowa Legislature, when lawmakers advanced the statewide 60 mph increase for two-lane state highways.
READ MORE: Iowa lawmakers advance 60 mph speed limit increase on state highways
For Highway 122, the proposed Mason City ordinance establishes a 60 mph zone on the western edge of the city from the west city limits east to a point approximately 2,600 feet west of Indianhead Drive.
On the east side, Highway 122 would carry a 60 mph limit from the east city limits west to approximately 800 feet east of South Yorktown Pike.
The changes mean drivers approaching Mason City from either direction on Highway 122 would be allowed to travel 60 mph until reaching the lower-speed transition zones closer to developed portions of the city.
Highway 122 is one of Mason City’s most heavily traveled commercial corridors and is already slated for major changes in coming years.
NIT reported in August that a massive reconstruction of Highway 122 West is planned, including the potential replacement of six signalized intersections with roundabouts, reconstruction of the roadway and new bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Drivers using U.S. Highway 65 would also see 60 mph zones at both the north and south approaches to Mason City.
On the north side, the 60 mph limit would begin approximately 1,330 feet north of Nature Center Road and continue to the north city limits.
On the south side, the 60 mph zone would extend from the south city limits north to approximately 550 feet south of 27th Street SW.
Lower speed limits would remain in place as motorists move farther into Mason City.
City Engineer Krysten Foster told council members in a memorandum that the Iowa DOT recently raised the applicable Highway 122 and Highway 65 limits from 55 mph to 60 mph following the statewide change.
Because portions of both highways run within Mason City’s corporate limits, the city must update its own ordinance to reflect the new limits.
The ordinance also makes a correction involving the speed limit on 19th Street SW near Eisenhower Avenue.
The proposal received its first consideration by the City Council on August 18 and its second consideration September 1.
If approved on final reading September 15, the ordinance would take effect following final passage, approval and publication as required by law.
The changes come as Highway 122 continues to undergo major transportation investment in Mason City. Earlier reconstruction has already reshaped portions of the corridor, while additional improvements are planned on the west side.
READ MORE: Mason City to reconstruct Highway 122 from Pierce Avenue to Monroe Avenue
For local motorists, however, the most immediately noticeable change could simply be the number on the roadside signs: 60 mph instead of 55 on several major approaches into Mason City.