U.S. Navy Lowering Speed Limit On Burma Road In Portsmouth, Middletown

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Naval Station Newport will reduce the speed limit on Burma Road in Portsmouth and Middletown, beginning March 1.

U.S. Navy officials said the speed reduction on Burma Road (also known as Defense Highway) is being done in coordination and with support of town officials in both communities.

"In my conversations with the town administrators and police chiefs of our neighboring communities, I feel it is to our mutual benefit and public safety to restore the previous speed limits on Burma Road," U.S. Navy Capt. Henry Roenke said. "It's important that our military and civilian leaders work together to create a safer environment for all our community members and workforce who travel this roadway daily."

Navy officials said the speed limit will be restored to its previous limit of 35 mph after nearly two years of it being 45 mph on most sections of the road. According to U.S. Navy and local officials, there have been an increase in crashes, collisions with animals, and drivers getting cited for traffic violations.

The Navy, which has proprietary jurisdiction over Burma Road and owns and maintains the street, will leave enforcement of traffic rules, to local police.

"We will be engaging in a public information campaign to inform and prepare our installation and local communities for this significant change during the next several weeks," Navy Public Affairs Officer Bruce Katz said. "We are working with the local jurisdictions' police and public information partners to amplify communications and messages, alerting local residents and drivers to the pending changes."

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