03/28/2024
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Should the speed limit on N.C. 87 through Dublin remain at 35 mph or be increased to the state-recommended 45 as it is in Tar Heel? Is the town getting a reputation as a speed trap by drivers traveling through Bladen County along the highway?

Commissioner Jeff Smith said Monday at the Dublin town meeting that some people have brought the issue to his attention. “I think it was two Saturdays ago that somebody said they sat and counted 14 tickets written in one day. That’s giving Dublin a bad name.”

One of the issues, Smith said, is that the speed limit in Tar Heel is 45 compared to Dublin’s 35, and drivers may be confused by the differences. “People are constantly complaining about it to the point where they’re avoiding coming through Dublin.”

Dublin’s portion of N.C. 87 was part of a project that widened the highway from two lanes to four lanes from Elizabethtown to Fayetteville in the mid-2000s.

Mayor Horace Wyatt was serving at the time of the road-widening project. He said Monday that increasing the speed limit to 45 was discussed. “We had a big discussion on it. The board decided to keep it at 35, mainly due to (Dublin Primary School).”

Smith said, “I think we should revisit it. I agree to tickets for excessive speeding, but I’m thinking the speed limit should be 45.”

Town maintenance supervisor Jonathan Ward suggested asking the N.C. Department of Transportation for more signage alerting drivers to the speed limit change prior to entering the town.

“Maybe that’s a solution,” Smith said.

Wyatt said the issue could be discussed at the board’s December meeting.

In other business,

** Infiltration system work is expected to start Nov. 23, weather permitting, Ward said. DOT will set up traffic control and repave the area after the work is completed.

** Sporadic power outages at the N.C. 410 lift station continue to be a problem. Four County EMC checked for electrical issues, but couldn’t find a problem. There’s a possibility the station may need rewiring, Ward said. The board took no action.

** Approved holiday bonuses for town employees. Full-time employees will be given $300, part-time employees $100, and temporary employees $50.

** Fire Chief Alex Hursey said the department is holding its annual Turkey Shoot fundraiser the next two Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.

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