Island Free Press: Summer speed limits now in effect

Crews changing speed limit signs on N.C. 12. [NCDOT]

With visitors slated to arrive on May 16, and the summer season about to begin, N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are adjusting the seasonal speed limit signs on N.C. Highway 12 throughout the Outer Banks.

The speed limits on Hatteras Island in the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon and Frisco drop from 45 to 35 mph in the summer months – starting on May 15 – to account for more vehicle and pedestrian traffic on N.C. Highway 12.

In addition, the speed limit on N.C. Highway 12 in between the villages of Avon and Buxton, and in between Frisco and Hatteras, seasonally changes from 55 to 45 mph. This adjustment was first made in 2018 in conjunction with the National Park Service, and is partially due to the increased traffic and popularity of public beach access sites in these areas, including the relatively new Kite Point parking area on the soundside of N.C. Highway 12.

The reduced speed limits traditionally remain in effect until around September 15, when they once again increase to the higher, off-season speed limits.

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