CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. – New speed limit signs have been installed along Three Notch Road (MD-5), reducing the maximum speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph in certain areas. The changes, which are part of an effort to improve safety, are located next to the St. Mary’s County welcome sign in Charlotte Hall and just before Commerce Park Road in Mechanicsville.
In response to questions about the change, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) provided The BayNet with the following statement:
“Safety is our top priority. In response to several complaints regarding traffic operations and speeding along MD 5 within the Charlotte Hall/Mechanicsville area, we conducted a traffic engineering study to determine the need for speed limit adjustments. The study revealed that over four years, this corridor had experienced many rear-end crashes, concentrated at the closely spaced intersections, and five of these crashes were fatal.
There was a 40 mph speed limit zone along southbound MD 5, and a 55 mph speed limit zone along northbound MD 5 just south of MD 6. From a consistency standpoint, it was important to establish a 45 mph speed limit through the corridor for the safety of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and horse and buggy traffic from the Amish community.”
St. Mary’s County Sheriff Steve Hall also commented on the changes, saying:
“The decision to change speed limits on state highways resides solely with the State Highway Administration (SHA). Our responsibility as your Sheriff’s Office is to enforce those limits for the safety of everyone on the road.
While we were not informed in advance of this specific change, we recognize SHA’s commitment to establishing safe speeds on our roadways. Research consistently shows that excessive speed is a leading cause of severe accidents and addressing it can save lives. We encourage all motorists to remain attentive to posted signs and drive responsibly to ensure the safety of our community.”
Community Reactions
Community reactions to the change have been mixed. Some residents have expressed concerns about the lack of notice regarding the new speed limits.
One Facebook user commented, “At least put a flashing sign letting people know the speed limit has been reduced. It may not help but at least people will be aware.”
Another expressed frustration with enforcement, saying, “They were out ticketing people the very first day and there was no ‘heads up’ that the speed limit was going to change. I hailed to catch sight of the sign near the bingo hall going north and slowed down. The police were out in force which was so unfair.”
Others questioned the effectiveness of the change, with one Facebook commenter noting, “It’s never been about speed. It’s the people who just don’t care about anyone else and proceed to do what they want. It’s about the people that drive on the shoulder of the road to get around others. Red lights don’t even deter some of these people. What makes anyone think that lowering the speed limit will?”
Concerns were also raised about the road infrastructure, with one resident stating, “The roads through there need to be wider. Too many people living down there now, time to upgrade the infrastructure.”
Another commenter pointed out potential safety issues, saying, “It’s likely to result in more accidents as some people will follow the new limit while others will continue their speeding resulting in bigger differences in speeds. Many will continue to drive the old limits because that’s what they’re used to.”
With traffic congestion already a concern, one community member remarked, “It’s already super congested through Charlotte Hall with all the lights. Now it’s going to take longer to get through during busy hours.”
As the community adjusts to these new speed limits, local authorities encourage residents to stay vigilant and follow posted signs for a safer driving experience on Three Notch Road.
UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Adjusts Speed Limits on Maryland Route 5
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
People always have to complain about something! Pay attention an drive! There are more important things to complain about.
For those of us that drive through there all the time, we do pay attention- and the SHA and county are only making it worse.
…. using the same time-tested approach that doesn’t work.
Been driving through there many times daily since the change. Zero reduction in speed from everyone flying by me and zero police presence. Great Job!
The change is just about the money. Vehicles these days are safer than they’ve ever been with all the built in safety features, yet the speed limits remain the same on the main highways or are reduced. The reason there are so many accidents is because of bad drivers who drive recklessly, which won’t be deterred in the slightest by a speed limit drop. This is just a way for cops to write more and bigger speeding tickets in that area
Modern day vehicles are not safer, thats a myth
Amen to that. I’ve been driving for 30 years and have never been in one accident caused by me. I also don’t play with my phone or let idiots trigger road-rage.
Speed cameras every 1/8 mile on every single roadway is the only answer, otherwise nothing will work
Autonomous driving will work. You’ve been spewing ridiculous “safety measures” for years on various websites.
You’re part of the problem
Autonomous driving will solve so many problems. Imagine orchestrating the speed of all cars on every road so they group together and hit almost every green light.
By disagreeing you are part of the problem
As a Software Engineer, it is incredibly foolish to give any computer software autonomy.
Thanks communist.
Thanks for admitting to being part of the problem
You cannot be serious.
Speed cameras sole purpose is revenue generation. They do nothing to improve driver skills.
You’re part of the problem then, statistics show a 75 percent decrease in accidents when used
Facts are facts, do your research before attempting any further responses
The logic is interesting for Mechanicsville. On either side of the Elementary School zone the speed limit is now 45. So the “safe” decision was to made the school zone a higher speed limit…I will leave to you folks to chew on and figure it it makes sense to you or not.
Was in that area11/21/24 and don’t see much change is the # of people going 60, or faster. Also didn’t see much LEO presence. Sherrif Hall and Lt Rosignol, where are the LEO’s??
There are too many LEOs in this county already. They need heavier patrols in Lex Park, rather than revenue generation.
Getting donuts or playing on their phones
Playing on their phones
Reduced speed limits from speeds that have present for decades are primarily created for revenue generation.
They do nothing to improve driver skills or awareness or concern.
Why don’t they put bright orange flags by new speed limit signs?
As a way to say “attention”.
I agree with, Pay attention an drive! You know how ridiculous some of you sound? Boohoo, they should have put a flashing sign to let us know. When you took drivers Ed, did it ever say, no need to pay attention to signs on the roads we will put up a flashing sign for ya.