Tiny Furnace Street is one of the narrowest streets in the borough of Hellertown, and it also has the lowest speed limit–just 15 mph.
Lately, however, there have been complaints about speeding on the residential side street, police chief Robert Shupp told borough council Monday.
Shupp said Furnace Street–which is just a block long, running north-south between Thomas Avenue and Bachman Street–needs a lower speed limit than is typical because of its width.
Due to the narrowness, two cars cannot pass each other on the two-way street, which has on-street parking along its west side.
As a result of the recent complaints, Shupp said public works department employees recently mounted “high visibility” speed limit signs at each end of Furnace Street.
The borough’s electronic speed warning sign has also been moved there.
Lastly, Shupp said that police will be monitoring speeds in the block to help ensure that the speed limit is being followed.
“Fifteen miles per hour is very slow,” the chief observed.
Shupp also told council that with the upcoming start of a new school year in the Saucon Valley there will be “targeted enforcement” of speed limits within and around school zones.
“Slow down,” he said. “Stop at stop signs. Yield.”
The Hellertown Police Department’s electronic speed limit warning sign has been moved to Furnace Street, to help police with speed monitoring.