Speed Limits To Be Reduced On Three Tewksbury Streets

TEWKSBURY, MA — Speed limits on sections of three major Tewksbury roads will drop, following a vote by the selectmen at their Tuesday meeting. The changes, to Andover and Shawsheen Streets and Whipple Road, required approval from the state Department of Transportation, according to town officials. The town Department of Public Works hired a consultant to undertake a speed study, and then won recommendations from the state to make changes. The following speed limits will change:

Andover Street from Deering Drive to the Andover Town Line: Reduction from 45 to 40 mph.

Shawsheen Street from Ronald Drive to Diane Drive: Reduction from 40 to 35 mph.

Shawsheen Street from Pinewold Avenue to Trinity Court: Reduction from 40 to 35 mph.

Whipple Road from 922 Whipple Road to 758 Whipple Road (around Pleasant Street intersection): Extend 25 mph zone.

The selectmen also voted to set the annual town meeting and special town meeting dates, for May 4 and May 6, and to open the town meeting warrant Wednesday, Dec. 18, through Friday, Jan. 31.

The selectmen approved all annual license renewals. Chairman Jay Kelly noted that there were no problems with any of the licenses.

Town Manager Richard Montuori said that the board has hired the consulting firm Badgequest to conduct assessments to replace Police Chief Tim Sheehan, who is leaving the department Jan. 3. The town is looking to hire internally, within the department, and Deputy Chief John Voto will serve as interim chief until a permanent chief is chosen.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.