By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The speed limit on the nearly 3-mile stretch of U.S. 280 from Essex Drive past the Chelsea Park entrance will be lowered in the coming weeks.

Mayor Earl Niven told Chelsea City Council members during a pre-council meeting March 15 he requested that the 65-mile-per-hour speed limit on the stretch of highway be lowered to 50 miles per hour in a meeting with Alabama Department of Transportation officials two weeks ago, and they agreed to his request.

“I think it will reduce the number of accidents,” Niven said, noting he is planning to check back in with ALDOT in about a week to determine a timeline for installing the new speed signs, which will line both sides of U.S. 280.

Currently, the speed limit in the area is 55 miles per hour to Walmart and 65 miles per hour from Walmart to Chelsea Park, he said.

Niven also asked ALDOT about installing a left turn lane leading out of the intersection in front of McDonald’s, and a traffic light at the Chelsea Park entrance on U.S. 280.

“They still don’t want to put a signal there, but they are looking at something else to help that congestion,” he said of Chelsea Park.

Councilwoman Alison Nichols expressed concern about school buses turning out of Chelsea Park without a signal, and Councilman Tony Picklesimer said the area is dangerous. Councilman Dale Neuendorf noted a citizen has formed a petition with residents’ signatures regarding the Chelsea Park issues.

In other business, the council:

-Recognized Councilwoman Juanita Champion for never missing a council meeting in her 12 years of service.

-Approved to pay the city’s bills.

-Reviewed upcoming dates: April 2 – Bulk waste pickup day in Chelsea; April 10 – Chelsea’s 20th anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting for the community center; and April 30 – Fire in the Foothills event.