Boone speed change:

It’s all 35 on 105
By Melanie Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

The speed limit on N.C. 105 has been changed from 45 mph to 35 mph, extending from the Poplar Grove Road intersection to the N.C. 105 Bypass.

The change was made early last week, and Capt. Curtis Main of the Boone Police Department said motorists have been adjusting well. As soon as the change went into effect, the Boone PD placed a radar trailer, which posts the new speed limit and informs drivers of their current speed, along the route.

“The purpose of the radar trailer was to draw attention to the speed limit change,” Main said.

Officers have been issuing warning citations to motorists who were unaware of the change, though speeding citations will now be issued to those exceeding the new limit.

Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson is very pleased with the change. “We had approached the Department of Transportation with this request numerous times in the past, but had been turned down,” she said.

The town council has requested the reduction, in addition to a turning lane and an additional traffic signal in the Poplar Grove Road area of N.C. 105.

“The speed limit reduction is a step in the right direction. They [DOT officials] are listening to our needs,” Clawson continued.

The council was approached in early December by a group of concerned citizens, following the fatal accident which occurred just after Thanksgiving at the Poplar Hill Road intersection. The accident involved an allgedly intoxicated driver, Juan Reyes, who rear-ended an SUV, killing a member of the Newell family and seriously injuring another.

Reyes has been charged with second degree murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and driving while impaired.

His next scheduled district court appearance is on March 10 to face those charges.

“We approached the Department of Transportation again in December because of the continual accidents, but especially the Newell family accident,” Clawson said.

Main assisted by collecting data of speeding citations and collisions in the area to accompany the council’s request.

In reference to the turning lane, Clawson said DOT officials have expressed concern about available space along that stretch of highway. Clawson continued by saying officials fear the additional traffic signal would slow traffic and create additional congestion.

Attempts to reach DOT officials for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.