Lower Speed Limit Planned For Portion Of U.S. 301 In Selma

SELMA, N.C. – The speed limit along a section of South Pollock Street (U.S. 301) could be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph this fall following action by the Selma Town Council.

The council approved a resolution requesting the N.C. Department of Transportation reduce the speed limit on U.S. 301 from Ricks Road south to the Smithfield town limits. The current speed limit along that section is 45 mph.

Andrew Barksdale, public relations officer for NCDOT, said the department will ask the N.C. Board of Transportation to approve the speed limit reduction during its October meeting.

If approved, NCDOT will update and replace the speed limit signs sometime this fall.

Until the state acts and the new signs are installed, the existing 45 mph speed limit remains in effect.

In its resolution, the Selma Town Council cited increased pedestrian and bicycle activity along the corridor, as well as traffic entering and exiting businesses. Council members said reducing the speed limit would improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.