North Stafford, Va. — There’s a message from officials to those who drive on Va. 610: Slow down.
The speed limit on the four-lane road Wednesday was lowered from 45 to 40 mph, between Onville and Shelton Shop roads.
Crash data collected over a three-year period shows the crash rate on that stretch of road is 20 percent higher than on other roads in Stafford County, said Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kelly Hannon.
Their hope is that slower-moving vehicles will reduce the number of crashes at signal lights.
Drivers who travel past North Stafford High School will still have to obey the 35 mph school zone speed limit when enforced during school hours. The school lies within the stretch of road that is affected by the new lower speed limit.
Electronic message signs have been placed along the road to alert drivers of the change, and orange flags have been posted on the new speed limit signs to draw attention to them as well, said Hannon.
