An innovation is coming to speed-limit signs.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is creating variable speed-limit zones.
The technology runs on sensors. They detect temperature, pavement conditions and traffic. A computer recommends a speed limit based on those readings. A DOT employee can remotely change the speed limit on electronic signs.
Dave Huft is the research program manager for the DOT. He says the goal of the variable speed limits is safety.
“We see a big reduction in crashes by about half. And then you have a reduction of fatalities in the same proportion about half. And the other thing we’re trying to accomplish is to reduce the number of times we have to close the interstate.”
The state has a $1 million grant from the federal government. The DOT will install a variable speed-limit zone by next year on Interstate 29 near Brookings. A zone on I-90 by Sturgis could be installed by 2023.