US 26 speed limit back to 65 mph

The Idaho Transportation Department has increased the speed limit on US 26, east of Idaho Falls, to its traditional 65 miles per hour. The limit was lowered last November when seal coat rocks began to come loose and shatter vehicle windshields. ITD spokesman Bruce King said the road has not yet been repaired, but “rock loss” has diminished to a point that engineers felt they could safely raise the speed limit. A contractor has completed a couple of test strips in three stretches of highway. Engineers will review their performance and pick a solution they believe will work best as a permanent repair.