SEAFORD, DE -- Drivers on Old Furnace Rd. in Seaford might find themselves hitting the brakes with a possible speed limit reduction on the horizon.
According to Seaford City officials, there are plans for widespread housing developments on the Dolby Farm property on Old Furnace Rd. The road's speed limit near that property and Rt. 13 is currently 50 mph.
The speed limit on Old Furnace Rd. has already been reduced to 35 mph near Middleford Rd.
Neighbor Frances Burnham says the State should follow suit for the entire roadway.
"For my life, trying to turn into my driveway where they pass me on both sides at a high speed, I would feel more safety at 35 so I can get in my driveway safely," says Burnham.
A spokesperson with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) says a traffic study would need to be carried out before the speed limit can be reduced and there's no timeline for when a change could happen.
Neighbor Taeshaun Ford Jackson says he has plenty of proof the change is necessary.
"As somebody with a little sister and two dogs, I've lost a couple dogs on this road because of cars, so I think it would help people being able to react faster with seeing those type of things running across the street," says Jackson.
However, Andrea Sparacino agrees that safety is paramount, but she says an occasional speeder isn't worth lowering the speed limit to 35.
"I would say that's a bit low," says Sparacino. "There is a lot of open territory there and the road is fairly wide with nice shoulders. Maybe they could post another speed limit sign so people are aware of what the speed limit actually is. Or maybe even 45."
Officials say their effort to slow down drivers is for the sake of safety. The Seaford City Council plans to consider approving a request for the state to reduce the speed limit to 35 miles per hour at their next meeting on January 9, 2023.