Speed limit to drop by Port of Mattawa offices

MATTAWA — Mattawa residents can expect to see new speed limit signs going up on the west end of town. The Mattawa City Council voted to lower the speed limit along Road 24 Southwest/Government Road during a regular council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. The speed drop will take place between Brian Avenue South and Pat Chee Drive.

During the meeting, Mattawa Public Works Director Juan Ledezma said that the signage is on order and should arrive sometime this week. After the meeting, Ledezma said that he expects his crews to have the signs up by the end of the month.

The speed reduction was done, partly at the request of the Wahluke School District administration. With the district administration offices and bus garage located at the Port of Mattawa, the reduction will make it safer for those entering and exiting in the area. Port of Mattawa Executive Director Lars Leland said that he is glad the city has lowered the speed limit in the area.

“We have a lot more activity down here,” Leland said. “We’re all worried about safety.”

The speed limit through the area has been 50 miles per hour. The new speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Mattawa Police Chief Joe Harris said that they won’t begin enforcing the new speed limit until the signs are put up. The department will also be doing various campaigns to alert the public to the change.