PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County commissioners Monday approved changing the speed limit on 29 county roads in an effort to make the posted signs reflect the safe speed for the specific thoroughfares.
Most of the limits were lowered by an average of 5 mph, although three roads — Undie Road on the West End and East Quilcene Road and McDonald Road, both in Quilcene — were raised from 20 mph to 25 mph.
Posting the new signs will cost the county about $1,500, according to County Engineer Monte Renders.
“We want to post the appropriate speed for all county roads,” Renders said.
“Many times, the signs warn local drivers of conditions they may not be aware of, such as a sudden curve where they need to slow down to 20 mph.”
One such location is Jacob Miller Road near the landfill.
Renders said most drivers travel at a rate of speed they consider safe and may not pay attention to a sign that displays a slower speed than their own instincts.
For this reason, new speed limits must be enforced for people to pay attention, he said.
Renders said the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will receive a list of all new limits and will enforce them.
The commissioners heard testimony from Renders and his staff as part of an announced public hearing about the changes.
No members of the public commented about the action, and it was passed unanimously.
Renders attributed the lack of public interest to the fact the limits were not changed on heavily traveled roads.
Renders said it would take about a month to post all the signs, after which enforcement will begin.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.