Drivers beware – the speed limit on Madison Street from 12th Street to Fountain Road has been dropped from 45 mph to 40 mph.

A year ago, based on the number of crashes worked by his department in that area, Police Chief Don Melton says he asked the Missouri Department of Transportation to reduce the speed in that area to 35 mph.

Following a subsequent traffic study, MoDOT approved the reduction – but just to 40 mph – in December. The road crews installed the new signs within the last week.

The speed limit from MacArthur Drive south to 12th Street remains at 35 mph.

Melton says he hopes the speed reduction “will help to reduce the number and severity of crashes on South Madison.”