Outer Banks drivers will probably see a couple of warning signs ahead of the new speed limit reduction on U.S. 158. | Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons
Outer Banks drivers will probably see a couple of warning signs ahead of the new speed limit reduction on U.S. 158. | Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons
Visitors to the Outer Banks should be aware of a slight decrease in posted speed limits along U.S. 158 near the Wright Memorial Bridge.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently announced the plan that will affect 3.4 miles of the north-south road in southern Currituck County in response to a high number of auto accidents.
“Rumble strips and 6-inch pavement markings have already been installed along this section of the highway,” Win Bridgers, an NCDOT engineer, said in a release. “Lowering the posted speed limit is another step. In the long term, more permanent measures are necessary, such as access management.”
Signs went up this week, reducing the speed limit between the H2OBX Water Park and the bridge to 45 mph from 55 mph.
Over the past five years, 151 crashes were reported on that part of the highway, and four of those wrecks reported fatalities, according to the release.
In response, NCDOT talked with homeowners and businesses that rely on that road. Most agreed that a reduction in the speed limit would be a good thing.
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