New speed limit signs will be placed near boulevard/I-85 interchange

Ledger Staff Writer

City authorities want more speed limit signs on Floyd Baker Boulevard near the newly-completed interchange.

Now they are getting them.

John McCarter, the state Depart-ment of Transportation’s district construction engineer, said there are plans for as many as two new 35 mph speed limit signs near the interchange.

The signs are expected to be up within the next few weeks.

“There will likely be two new signs,” McCarter said. “(Putting up signs) is part of the process.”

The recently completed interchange project and Floyd Baker Boulevard widening project have caused less congestion on the roadway but have increased the likelihood for speeding, city officials said.

“We had requested that the DOT put up (speed limit) signs,” Gaffney Administrator James Taylor said. “We requested enough signs so that all motorists are informed of the speed limit. I’m very happy the signs will be going up.”

Currently, no speed limit signs are posted near the interchange bridge to alert motorists who exit interstate 85 onto Floyd Baker Boulevard.

City authorities have said they have beefed up efforts to stop speeders on Floyd Baker.

“There are many areas of the city that need to be patrolled but from time to time we concentrate on several known areas of traffic concern,” Taylor said.

The widening project added a turn lane to Floyd Baker Boulevard while the interchange project replaced the bridge and ramps.