Rumble strips, extension of a 45 mph speed zone and better signage are among mesures the South Dakota Department of Transportation plans to implement along a stretch of highway near Sturgis Brown High School.

Nearly a month ago, Sturgis junior Ashley Nelson was killed in a two-car accident along the stretch of S.D. Highway 34 which was part of a traffic study that covered an area from the S-curves to the intersection of S.D. Highway 79 North.

DOT traffic engineers met with local law enforcement officers, Meade School District officials and the Department of Public Safety last week to discuss the issue. The group recommended the following actions:

• Add rumble strips to the pavement surface to bring attention to the high school intersections.

• Extend the existing 45 mph speed zone farther to the east.

• Increase the size of the existing 45 mph signs from Blanche Street to the east.

• Add additional warning signs with flashing beacons in an effort to increase motorists' awareness of the presence of a school in the area.

Doug Kinniburgh, region traffic engineer, said signing improvements will be made as soon as possible, with other improvements to follow in the next few months.

According to a DOT news release, the department plans to instigate discussions with Sturgis officials regarding potential funding, design and installation of two dynamic speed displays for the general area of highway in front of the school property. The DOT also plans to periodically conduct additional traffic studies of the section of roadway.