China select board asks state to review speed limits after residents report dangerous stretches

On June 16, 2025, the China Select Board voted unanimously to request that the State review speed limits on Danforth Road, Dutton Road and Pleasant View Ridge Road after multiple residents described persistent safety problems on those stretches.

Residents spoke during the New Business discussion, detailing repeated hazards. Curtis Pendexter told the board he avoids walking his dog on Dutton Road because of traffic and poor road conditions. Susan Basford described a dangerous corner at the bottom of Moe's Mountain where she said there have been several accidents, including buses striking objects, and asked that a school-bus warning sign be installed. Tamra Davis reported near-misses involving large trucks on the same corner and urged cutting back trees to improve sightlines and adding shoulders.

The minutes note that "the State sets the speed limits," and the motion on the floor—moved by Select Board member Edwin Bailey and seconded by Jeanne Marquis—directed the town to ask the State to review speed limits on the three roads. The motion passed 5-0. Select Board member Thomas Rumpf said he would contact the Warden's service to ask whether patrols could monitor the ATV access area mentioned by residents. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood clarified that the Sheriff's Department patrols the area but typically does not remain parked in a single spot to monitor speed.

Why this matters: Residents described recurring safety incidents and specific infrastructure concerns (trees, lack of shoulders, and bus-safety needs) that they say contribute to the danger. The board's unanimous vote requests a State-level review because, under Maine law, the State sets statutory speed limits on these roads.

What comes next: The town will forward the request to the appropriate State authority for review; the board also directed staff to pursue localized enforcement or patrol options while awaiting the State's response.