ASHEBORO, N.C. — A recent speed limit reduction on a section of Old Highway 49 was prompted by safety concerns raised by local residents, state transportation officials said.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph on the stretch of Old N.C. Highway 49 between Moore Road and the eastern junction with N.C. Highway 49.
The change followed multiple inquiries from local citizens who asked the state to reevaluate the roadway’s safety.
“At the request of local citizens, our division and regional traffic units reviewed safety and speed conditions along the stretch of Old N.C. 49… and determined the speed limit for this section should be reduced from 55 to 45 mph,” NCDOT Public Information Officer Aaron Moody said in an email.
The state’s explanation comes after area residents took to social media to question the sudden change in the traffic pattern.
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