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Speed limit lowered on N.C. 105
By Melanie Davis
The speed limit on N.C. 105 has been changed from 45 mph
to 35 mph, extending from the Poplar Grove Road intersection to
the N.C. 105 Bypass.
A vehicle whisks past a Boone
Police Department speed monitor on N.C. 105 in Boone
on Wednesday afternoon. Photo
by Mark Mitchell
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The change was made early last week and Cpt. Curtis Main of the
Boone Police Department said motorists have been adjusting well.
As soon as the change went into effect, the Boone PD placed a
radar trailer, which posts the new speed limit and informs drivers
of their current speed, along the route.
“The purpose of the radar trailer was to draw attention to
the speed limit change,” Main said.
Officers have been issuing warning citations to motorists who
were unaware of the change, though speeding citations will now
be issued to those exceeding the new limit.
Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson is very pleased with the change. “We
had approached with Department of Transportation with this request
numerous times in the past, but had been turned down,” she
said.
The town council have requested the reduction, in addition to
a turning lane and an additional traffic signal in the Poplar
Grove Road area of N.C. 105.
“The speed limit reduction is a step in the right direction.
They [DOT officials] are listening to our needs,” Clawson
continued.
The council was approached in early December by a group of concerned
citizens, following the fatal accident which occurred just after
Thanksgiving at the Poplar Grove Road intersection. The accident
involved an intoxicated driver, Juan Reyes, who rear-ended a SUV,
killing one and seriously injuring another. Reyes has been charged
with second degree murder, two counts of assault with a deadly
weapon inflicting serious injury, and driving while impaired.
His next scheduled district court appearance is on Mar. 10 to
face those charges.
“We approached the Department of Transportation again in
December because of the continual accidents, but especially the
Newell family accident,” Clawson said.
Main assisted by collecting data of speeding citations and collisions
in the area to accompany the council’s request.
In reference to the turning lane, Clawson said DOT officials have
expressed concern about available space along that stretch of
highway. Clawson continued by saying officials fear the additional
traffic signal would slow traffic and create addition congestion.
Attempts to reach DOT officials for contact were unsuccessful
as of press time.
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