The Harrison Township Committee announced at its work session meeting on Oct. 2 that the speed limit on Willamson Lane will be reduced from 40 mph to 35, effective immediately.
The change was passed through an ordinance introduced at a meeting last month. The October session was to have a public hearing, but there were no speakers, so the measure was passed unanimously.
Before that, Mayor Louis Manzo asked Township Engineer Dennis McNulty, out of curiosity, why the speed limit could not go to 30.
“We know the residential relationship to the street is a little bit different,” said Manzo. “What’s the criteria and why 35 (mph)?”
“It’s just in accordance with the recommended state statutory speed limits,” McNulty answered. “Forty-five is one of the higher speed limits, 35 for residential suburban and 25 is the next step down from 35.”
A survey was conducted by the township to measure driving speeds on the road.
“(Based on) 50% of all speeds, 35 seemed to be appropriate at this time,” McNulty explained.
“Ultimately,” added Manzo, “these evaluations take into account the actual speed that people are going, and then the 85% (of drivers) under a certain speed.”
Willamson Lane is a small stretch of road that connects Richwood Road and Richwood Aura Drive and is attached to Eagle Drive, where several houses are located. Most of them sit closer to Richwood Aura Drive and are part of what is considered a low-density residential area that falls under a 35mph speed limit, according to the state.
“The speed limit, unless otherwise posted, is 25 mph in school zones, business, or residential districts,” the state said. “Thirty-five mph in certain low-density business and residential districts, 50 mph on all other roadways, 55 mph on certain state highways (as posted) and all interstates and 65 mph on certain state highways (as posted).”
The people in attendance appeared to approve of the new ordinance as one woman, Mullica Hill resident Sarah Zuba thanked the committee for the speed limit decision near the end of the meeting.
The next committee session is a business meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at the township municipal building.
