LYNCHBURG — Though it didn’t require a formal motion or vote, the Metro Council confirmed during their October meeting on Monday night their intention to return the speed limits on both State Highway 55 and Motlow Barns Road back to their pre-construction limits after November 1.

Back in July, Metro Council officials voted unanimously to lower the speed limit of a section of State Highway 55 directly in front of Moore County High School and Motlow Barns Road while the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) widened the highway to install a turn lane at Goodbranch Road. That work is now approaching completion, and as such, the posted speed limit will return to the original limit after November 1. {To read our original coverage of that meeting, click here.}

Originally, the Council reduced the speed limit on Highway 55 from 55 mph to 45 mph and on Motlow Barns Road from 45 mph to 30 mph. Both will go back to their original limits after November 1. A strict 30 mph speed limit will continue to be enforced inside the school zone.

Bridge construction will also be addressed

During the meeting, several Council members stated that they’d heard grumblings about the condition of the newly-constructed bridge on Highway 55 at Goodbranch Road.

“They’ve still got to do something to the bridge,” stated Peggy Blackburn. “Because at 55 mph, it will throw you out of your seat.”

“You know, let’s give them just a little bit of leeway,” Mayor Sloan Steward told the group. “I know it’s rough and you might bounce a little bit, but I feel like TDOT may have their hands full in East Tennessee right now. I know they’ve currently got a lot of staff dedicated to that area.” •

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