SMITHFIELD – As soon as new speed limit signs are in place, the Smithfield Police Department will begin enforcing lower speed limits on a portion of Highway 210, and West Market Street (US 70 West), in the city limits.
The Town Council voted unanimously, September 5th, to reduce the speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour on NC Highway 210 near the new Marlin Woods subdivision. The speed limit was also lowered on West Market Street from the Neuse River Bridge to the NC 210 intersection from 45 to 35mph.
The NC Department of Transportation had previously agreed to the speed limits reductions, pending town approval.
Smithfield Planning Director Stephen Wensman said he and former Police Chief Keith Powell had been working with the NCDOT for some time to lower the speed limits to improve safety.
In a motion by Councilman Dr. David Barbour and seconded by Councilman Roger Wood, the changes were approved in a 6-to-0 vote.
