County B speed limit being lowered to 25 mph, after La Crosse council vote

The speed limit on a busy part of County B, north of downtown La Crosse, is getting lowered.

From Highway 16 to the east city limit, County B will go from 35 to 25 miles per hour, after a vote Thursday by the La Crosse city council.

Increased development on that road, as well as the presence of North Woods International School, led to the recommendation.

Council member Mackenzie Mindel supports the change, even though the new speed could be ignored by drivers.

“While I also agree that reducing the speed does not necessarily get a reduction speed from people,” Mindel said, “I also recognize that the difference between 35 and 25 from being hit by a car is life and death.”

Another council member, Doug Happel, supported the change, but wonders whether the lower speed can be enforced.

“There’s a fairly large four-lane highway over here that I voted for a 25 mile speed limit — maybe six, seven years ago,” Happel said, “and if I drive 25 on Losey Boulevard, I’m gonna get flattened like a pancake.”

The council voted 10-2 to support a lower the speed limit. Nine people sent letters in opposition to the change, while two sent letters in support.

La Crosse County also approved a similar change. Citizens have written to the council, arguing both for and against the change.