(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council waived the three reading rule Monday night to adopt an ordinance on final reading to amend the speed limit on Harlan Street, which is Highway 73 on the norther section of the city limits. 

The speed limit will be reduced to 50 miles-per-hour from a point 1,200 feet north of 26th Street to a point on the north connection of Bill Schock Boulevard which is the north edge of the city limits. 

Once the Nebraska Department of Transportation receives documentation of the change,  the Department of Roads will install all appropriate signs along the highway.

Council member Derke Leyden commended the efforts of fellow Council member Mitch Merz for leading the effort to get the change made.  

Merz gave credit to State Senator Steve Erdman of Scottsbluff for his help in making the change possible. Erdman proposed the legislation that allows cities to have control of the speed limit on state highways within the city limits.  

Merz said after not receiving assistance from local representatives he reached out to Erdman and got results within 24 hours. 
There have been several wrecks at the intersection of 35th  Street and Highway 73 in recent years.