Elsberry, Missouri Speed Traps

for out of towners, you don’t even realize a town is ahead. Driving on a flat, straight as an arrow scenic highway alongside the Missisippi River and suddenly the 60 mph speed limit starts dropping in 5-10 mph increments about every 75 feet. I was in the 45 zone before we even realized what was going on and hit my brakes but there he was, a policecar coming the opposite direction (I assume on his way back to work his trap). He did a 180 in the road and brought justice down on my lawbreaking tourist family of four. No friendly words or warning, just an admonishment to slow down. As we reached the other side of the half mile long town of maybe twenty buildings, the crime fighters had another driver pulled over coming into town on the southbound side. I would advise tourists to forget the scenic route and take the interstate from St Louis to Hannibal and let these little traps on 79 dry up.

Southbound, speed goes from 60 to 50 to 40 to 35 to 30 in less than a mile. Going back I think there are 6 different speed signs in this stretch. Local cop very abrasive with huuuuge chip on his shoulder against out-of towners.