Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Freeway speed limits on I-80 through Parleys Canyon dropped to 45 miles an hour this week following a fatal Monday night crash.
But Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce said even after the change, cars were sliding off the road throughout the canyon.
"People were coming in to those isolated areas and not anticipating that there could be snow on the road.” Royce said. “(They weren't) looking up to see that, 'Hey, there is snow falling, I need to reduce my speed.'"
The speed limit was 55 mph on Wednesday evening and troopers caught cars going 20 mph over the limit.
Royce could not confirm the speed change was a direct result of the fatal crash this morning, but said officials only make speed limit changes when it is absolutely necessary.
There's always a reason for that speed limit change. It might look clear and dry, but around one of the corners there might some snow packed roadways or there might be a crash ahead.
–Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce
Three cars slid off the road in Parleys Canyon Wednesday morning, Trooper Jed Davis said. As a trooper got out to help, another car came spinning toward him. He got out of the way, but his patrol car was hit.
Less than two hours later in almost the same location, a second trooper was investigating an accident when another car sped out of control and smashed into his patrol car.
“There’s always a reason for that speed limit change.” Royce said. “It might look clear and dry, but around one of the corners there might some snow packed roadways or there might be a crash ahead."
