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Speed limit reduced in Garland

GARLAND — After submitting a request to lower the speed limit on the busy U.S. 701 Highway, it was officially approved by state officials.

During a Tuesday meeting, the Garland Board of Commissioners voted to enforce a new 25 mph speed zone on Ingold Avenue (U.S. 701) between Bladen Street and Fourth Street (State Road 1136). In March, commissioners made a decision to lower the speed limit from 35 mph, which involved the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

Town Clerk Pam Cashwell received a letter from Jessi Leonard, a division traffic engineer for NCDOT. It was read read by Cashwell during the meeting.

“Based on the field review and since the Town has documented their intentions to enforce the 25 mph speed limit, we are in approval of this request,” Leonard wrote.

The change would require an enactment of the new ordinance and appeal of an existing 25 mph ordinance which was described as “Ingold Avenue (U.S. 701) from a point 180 feet south of Warren Street to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad crossing.”

At the March meeting, Garland Police Chief Ron Matthews brought up inconsistencies with speed limit signs on the stretch of highway in the heart of Garland. Garland Mayor Winifred Murphy thanked Matthews for his efforts with making the change.

“Hopefully this will help alleviate some of the speed hazards on 701,” Murphy said.

Documents were reviewed by Alan Maynard, Garland’s attorney, before a Certification of Municipal Declaration was approved by the town’s commissioners. The document says that certification was determined based on engineering and traffic investigation for the stretch, which is a portion of the State Highway System.

NCDOT is responsible for putting up new signs after they receive certification documents back from the town. At that time, the law will be effective.

“All they need to go forward is the change in the resolution,” Matthews said.

Another change on the commissioner’s radar is the intersection of Ingold Avenue (U.S. 701) and Second Street (Highway 411). Matthews said he submitted a request for the area for an inspection. During a previous meeting, Matthews said he wanted to see a raised pedestrian crossing for the busy intersection. Along with people walking through town, officials were also concerned about children crossing the street on their way to the Curtis D. Cain Memorial Park.

It was also suggested by Mayor Pro Tem Ralph Smith to place pedestrian signs on all four corners of the highways. Matthews reported that an inspection visit from NCDOT is scheduled for July.

Ron Matthews, police chief for Garland, speaks to commissioners about speed limit changes. Ron Matthews, police chief for Garland, speaks to commissioners about speed limit changes.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Chief_1.jpgRon Matthews, police chief for Garland, speaks to commissioners about speed limit changes. Ron Matthews, police chief for Garland, speaks to commissioners about speed limit changes.
Lowered from 35 to 25 mph on U.S. 701

By Chase Jordan

cjordan@clintonnc.com

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

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