East Bridgewater Lowers Speed Limit on Old Plymouth Street

Board Approves Reduction to 25 mph, Plans Traffic Advisory Committee

EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA - September 23 - The East Bridgewater Select Board voted to lower the speed limit on Old Plymouth Street to 25 miles per hour during its September 23 meeting, responding to resident concerns about traffic safety. The decision aims to address speeding issues and improve pedestrian safety in the area.

The board's action came after discussions about various traffic-related problems throughout the town, including speeding, truck traffic, and potential implementation of traffic calming measures.

"I make a motion that we lower the speed limit 25 miles per hour on the Old Plymouth Street area that is identified as thickly settled," said member Carole Julius. The motion passed unanimously.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig explained that the street qualifies as a "thickly settled" area, making it eligible for the reduced speed limit.

In addition to the speed limit reduction, the board discussed forming a Traffic Advisory Committee to address broader traffic and road safety concerns throughout East Bridgewater.

"Let's work on that, getting some people that really understand stuff like that, get a committee together and bring something back," said Chair David Sheedy.

The proposed committee would likely include representatives from the Department of Public Works, police and fire departments, and the school system. It may also include non-town officials to provide diverse perspectives on traffic issues.

Seelig suggested that the committee could examine various traffic-related matters, including "speed limits, the issue with speed bumps, how the commercial vehicle exclusions, things like that."

The board plans to develop a mission statement and determine the committee's composition in the coming weeks. They expressed interest in having the town's new Assistant Town Administrator, Rebecca Johnson, involved in the process.

During the meeting, officials also addressed concerns about other problematic roads in town. Belmont Street residents have reported issues with speeding vehicles and truck traffic. The police department has installed a small speeding sign and plans to add the area to its traffic request for extra patrols and radar enforcement.

Residents of Batti Street have requested repaving due to poor road conditions and lack of sidewalks. While the street is listed for major rehabilitation in the town's pavement management report, officials could not provide a specific timeline for the work.

The board also discussed ongoing property disputes related to access to Robbins Pond via Hubbard Street. Seelig advised that such matters would need to be settled in land court, as the town cannot make determinations about civil property rights.