EDITOR’S NOTE: This report has been updated to correct a quote from Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Stanko.
PORT TOWNSEND — The speed limit on a portion of state Highway 19 between Four Corners Road and the Jefferson County International Airport will drop to 40 mph to accommodate motorists turning right on Prospect Avenue.
“That area was unsafe because there is no turn lane at Prospect Avenue,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Stanko.
“I heard from a lot of people who were concerned about this.”
The affected 0.7-mile stretch of road is between milepost 11.98 and milepost 12.66.
Currently, the speed limit switches from 40 mph to 50 mph north of Four Corners Road and stays at that level through where the highway ends upon intersecting state Highway 20.
The conversion will occur this week, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The lowered speed limit will be enforceable as soon as the new signs are posted, Transportation said in a press release.
The speed reduction is in response to resident concerns regarding safety issues at the intersection of Highway 19 and Prospect Avenue, the release states.
“When we evaluate these decisions we take speed, collision history and public input into consideration,” said Transportation spokesman Doug Adamson.
“We approach local residents and law enforcement as to whether we should lower a speed limit for safety reasons.”
Stanko said he was aware of several car wrecks that had happened at the intersection of Prospect Street and Highway 19.
Adamson said his department would spend about $2,500 on the switch, which includes two speed limit signs, one warning sign and labor costs.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
