National Park Service to Lower Speed Limits Throughout Park

Contact: Mary O'Neill, 540-834-3431

FREDERICKSBURG, VA. - Effective the week of January 6-12, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will establish a parkwide speed limit of 25 miles per hour for all traffic on park roads to increase overall public safety within the park.

Parks must be safe places for all visitors. In recent years, NPS Law Enforcement Rangers have recorded an increase in speeding violations, collisions with wildlife, motor vehicle accidents, and near-miss incidents. As both commuter cut-through traffic and recreational use of park roads increases, the park will increase public safety by establishing a consistent, low speed limit throughout the park.

Many park roads already have a 25 mph speed limit. Park roads that will lower speed limits to 25 mph include:

• Fredericksburg Battlefield: North and South Lee Drive

• Chancellorsville Battlefield: McLaws Drive, Furnace Road, Sickles Drive, Stuart Drive, Berry-Paxton Drive, and Bullock Road

• Wilderness Battlefield: Hill-Ewell Drive

Park Superintendent Lewis Rogers said of the change, "We know that folks are in a hurry. We all need to get to our jobs, and we can't wait to get home. Slowing down while driving in the park not only increases the safety of runners, joggers, hikers, cyclists, history enthusiasts and other automobile drivers, but it is also appropriate in a National Park. Slow down and enjoy the scenery!"