To the Editor,

The infrastructure repair of roads, as evidenced by the preparation for paving on Currituck Road, in addition to the new road work and paving on Wendover Road, are very much welcomed in Newtown. It is my observation that vehicle speeding is a significant issue throughout Newtown. I feel that extensive speed control mechanisms must be initiated throughout town. More placement of speed notification lighted signs, depicting the actual speed of a vehicle, are needed. I note one on Route 25 southbound entering the center of town, and one on the Boulevard. It may or may not slow a speeding driver as they enter our Main Street, but it may slow down a few. We need more speed control focus in town.

The paving preparation on Currituck will ultimately result in a smooth and safe roadway. It will also, undoubtedly, result in an increase in vehicle speed on this key roadway connecting residents and others to Main Street from the Brookfield area and exit 9. The speed will increase and continue to be a hazard.

Included in the paving of Currituck, it would be prudent to add speed control light signage on Currituck in several spots. It is rare for me to observe a vehicle driving at the posted 35 mph speed limit, as vehicular traffic is in excess of 40 mph constantly. Drivers also increase speed going north on Main Street as they approach the War Memorial, traveling significantly above the posted speed limit. Some veer off at this unsafe speed onto Currituck, creating unsafe conditions. The speed increase by cars and commercial vehicles approaching the curve by the memorial is significant due, in part, to the approaching incline on Route 25. There is a speed control sign at the base of this incline southbound, but nothing where the speed is very high in the other direction.

Yes, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles in town, to the point that we now have traffic flow issues (see new one-way status of Hall Lane). An increase in signage, including solar powered lights and traffic control personnel would help to curb this speeding dilemma in town.

Richard English

Newtown