State officials are lowering the speed limit at a Floyd County highway intersection in an effort to make the dangerous junction safer for motorists.

According to a news release, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) plans to reduce the speed limit on Iowa 27/U.S. 18/U.S. 218 near the town of Floyd beginning Friday (Sept. 9, 2016).

Source: Google Maps
Source: Google Maps
loading...

The speed limit for westbound traffic will be reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph approximately one mile west of the north junction of U.S. 18/Iowa 27 and U.S. 218. Eastbound traffic will have a reduced speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph approximately one-half mile east of the intersection.

IDOT officials said the speed change is taking place to make it easier for motorists to find gaps in traffic to enter and cross the busy highway, also known as the Avenue of the Saints. Electronic signs announcing the speed reduction will be placed in the area to notify motorists.

The speed limit change comes nearly two months after a deadly accident at the intersection. According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, Thomas Houdek, 23, of Charles City, was killed on July 17 when his motorcycle pulled out from a stop sign and crossed into the path of a westbound semi, driven by Joshua Brood, 44, of Plainfield. Troopers said Brood tried to avoid the collision, but his rig went off the road and overturned. Brood was injured in the crash.

More From 97.7 KCRR