DUMMERSTON — After a resident requested a traffic count, the Dummerston Selectboard has agreed to ask the Windham Regional Commission (WRC) to put one in place on Rice Farm Road near the portion where the West River Trail crosses the road.
The board recently received the results of a traffic survey the WRC had just completed in the town.
After receiving numerous complaints about speeding, the Selectboard voted in April to ask the WRC to conduct the count on the stretch between 857 and 913 East-West Road.
At the Sept. 16 regular meeting, board member Steve Glabach read the results.
Approximately 660 vehicles travel that part of the road daily; 70 percent of them were cars, 20 percent were pickup trucks or vans, and the remaining 10 percent were buses and trucks.
Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph, the average speed traveled was 33 mph. While 93 percent of vehicles went faster than 25 mph, 85 percent of vehicles went 38 mph or less.
“It's interesting to note the travel speed there seems to be much higher than the 25 mph posting,” Glabach said, adding he was in the process of speaking with Lt. Mark Anderson of the Windham County Sheriff's Department about enforcement options.
The Sheriff's Department has had a mobile speed cart on East-West Road, and Selectboard members will ask the Sheriff's Department to move it around to various locations.
Board Chair Zeke Goodband said he will reach out to Matt Mann at WRC about the results, and for their recommendations. Goodband also said the Selectboard would have a meeting in the near future to discuss speeding along East-West Road, and will invite all interested parties.