Fannin County commissioners have agreed that a reduced speed limit is needed for safety reasons in the area of the new Fannin County school system facilities on Old Highway 76.
Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, August 9, to set the speed limit at 30 miles-per-hour from the end of the spillway bridge at Blue Ridge Lake Dam to the Blue Ridge city limits.
Heading west toward Blue Ridge from Morganton, the speed limit has been 45 mph from the spillway bridge to just past Marina Drive where it reduces to 30 mph. The school system’s new Staff Development Center and Transportation Facility lie between the spillway bridge and Marina Drive.
Commissioners cited the increased traffic in the area created by the two facilities, and were especially concerned about the amount of school bus traffic.
Reducing the speed limit “would help for safety reasons dramatically,” Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson said.
Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley said the move is “beneficial for everyone.” He said new speed limit signs, as well as flashing warning lights, will be posted in the area as soon as possible.
School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said Wednesday, “We appreciate the county’s support” in making the area safe.