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Dartmouth board discusses state statutory speed-limit sign grant; members ask for public comment and Select Board consultation
Summary
The board reviewed a state program that posts statutory speed limits (M.G.L. c.90 §17) and agreed to solicit public comment and involve the Select Board before finalizing a list of candidate streets for grant-funded signs, citing safety and sight-line concerns on some roads.
The Dartmouth Board of Public Works discussed a state program to post statutory speed-limit signs — which would allow enforceable 30/40/50 mph postings where the statutory criteria are met — and asked staff to post proposed locations for public comment and coordinate with the Select Board prior to any grant acceptance or posting.
Superintendent Tim described the program’s technical requirements: statutory postings are tied to M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 17 and require minimum distance criteria (for example, a 30 mph thickly settled posting requires at least one-eighth mile). The board discussed the technical process, speed studies, and the role of Dartmouth Police traffic safety in conducting 85th-percentile studies and enforcing posted limits.
Board members expressed caution about some candidate 40 mph postings on roads with limited sight lines or significant pedestrian and bicycle use. "I'm a little bit perplexed by these certain speed limits of 40 mph in certain areas," Mr. Gagne said, urging that proposed postings be listed on the town webpage for public comment before the town moves forward. Members also asked that the Select Board be looped in, since enforcement actions and ticketing will surface to that body.
Tim said the state grant that funds signs generally covers materials (signs and poles) while the town covers installation; the board agreed staff should refine the list with input from the police traffic safety unit and the Select Board and return before the grant application or sign installation is finalized.
