Speed Limit is a concern for Olney residents

Olney residents are voicing their concerns about the 75 m.p.h. speed limit in the residential section of Hwy 251 S. After several weeks of discussion throughout Olney, residents shared opinions publicly about the excessive speed limit with Olney Enterprise Newspaper, Channel 6 News and on Facebook with the majority of Olney residents stating they are ready for a reduction to at least 55 mph in this area, and not more than 45 mph where school buses and children are involved.

Other residents who support the reduction in speed agree that the speed should be reduced to a minimum of 55 mph.

“I wish they would reduce the speed limit. I think it is dangerous. If the traffic is going 75 mph, and you are starting at zero at the stop sign, and pulling out onto Hwy 251 from the intersection, it is just too late, and that can throw you in the bar ditch or on the shoulder. The speed used to be 45. I don’t know why they went from 45 to 75. They are trying to get the traffic through as fast as they can, but they are making a mistake because it is a danger to residents who live in that area. Lowering the speed limit will make a big difference,” Olney resident Bob Craig said.

Frances Copeland, who lives directly off the section of Hwy 251 that has the 75 mph speed, said, “The speed should be reduced back to 55 m.p.h. “I don’t see why the speed has increased that much.”

Another resident in the area, Pam Lisle, pleas for a speed reduction stating, “The 75 mph speed on Hwy 251 is too fast in front of my house. My kids play in the front yard, and the school bus stops at our house.”