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Commissioners lower Van Ward Road speed to 25 mph after resident petition
Summary
Public works staff recommended and commissioners approved reducing the posted speed limit on Van Ward Road to 25 mph based on road geometry, width and number of served lots; measure approved by unanimous vote.
The St. Mary's County commissioners on Sept. 23 adopted an ordinance reducing the posted speed on Van Ward Road in the Seventh District to 25 miles per hour, following a resident petition and a Roads Division safety review.
Public Works staff reported they could not find an existing ordinance setting the speed for the road and that a field review showed the roadway functions as a local road (R2) or court, serving fewer than 50 lots, with travel-width and right-of-way measurements below county standards. Staff said the roadway lacks the minimum 18-foot travel width in places, has variable rights-of-way (maximum segments about 40 feet) and does not meet minimum horizontal radii and shoulder-width standards. County standards identify a maximum design speed of 25 mph for roads classified as a court.
Commissioners said they supported the change after petition signatures and an on-site assessment described the road as narrow and potentially unsafe at 35 mph. The ordinance was adopted by voice vote.
