Ask CITYVIEW

What will happen to the 55 mph signs now that the speed limit is changing?

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 378 on June 1, increasing the speed limit on most rural, two-lane state highways from 55 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour. This change took effect on July 1. 

According to a document from the Fiscal Services Division, the Iowa Department of Transportation temporarily began replacing speed limit signs with an overlaying material before fully replacing the speed limit signs. There are 1,794 55 mph signs that will cost $52 each for an overlay, and $171 each to be replaced by the DOT. There are 3,465 55 mph signs controlled by the state, which will cost $111 each to replace. The fiscal impact is estimated to be a one-time cost of $783,000. 

As for what the DOT and State could do with the soon-to-be defunct 55 mph signs, we suggest donating them to college dorm rooms, or covering up the words speed limit with a “+” to be given to senior communities, or donating them to the Greater Des Moines Soap Box Derby track to keep those speeds in check.

What was Sevastopol?

Before the southside of Des Moines became known for Lincoln High School, Italian restaurants and Ewing Park, it was the settlement of Sevastopol. According to Project Des Moines, a website that explores the history of the city developed by the Des Moines Public Library, Sevastopol began in 1855. It was laid out by James Sherman in 1862 and incorporated in 1877 or 1878. The boundaries were Southeast Fifth, Hartford Avenue, Bell Avenue and Pioneer Park. 

It was said to have been named by John Weber after a famous Crimea war fortress that was Russian and is now Ukrainian. A large brewery and the largest coal mine in the county were in Sevastopol. The Sevastopol brewery was located at Southeast Sixth Street and Hartford Avenue. That location may sound familiar, because it is the same four-way intersection where south-side staple B&B Grocery, Meat and Deli is located. Des Moines annexed Sevastopol in 1890 along with the City of North Des Moines, Capitol Park, Easton Place, Greenwood Park, Gilbert (Chesterfield) and Grant Park.  

Why has another bridge been built across the Raccoon River north of Gray’s Lake? It’s only a short distance from the Chris and Marcie Coleman Bridge. Who built it? Why?

This temporary bridge does not belong to the City of Des Moines. It was installed by ICON Water Trails for in-river construction access and will be removed when the work in the area is complete. ♦