PORTSMOUTH — If you’re a driver who often takes Burma Road because you feel it’s a faster route than West Main, you may want to rethink that strategy.

Naval Station Newport (NSN) has reduced the speed limit on Burma Road, also known as Defense Highway, from 45 mph to 35 mph.

A recent press release from NSN stated that the lower speed limit goes into effect starting March 1. However, on Thursday, Feb. 8, all of the signs along the road, which runs through Portsmouth and Middletown on the west side of Aquidneck Island, had the speed limit already posted at 35 mph or under.

Police Chief Brian Peters said he spoke with NSN, which told him the new signs were put up early in anticipation of the change.

“Portsmouth PD will educate motorists on the new speed limit, however will not enforce the new 35 mph limit until March 1st,” Peters stated in an e-mail Tuesday morning.

NSN said the speed reduction was done with the coordination and support of local communities.

“In my conversations with the town administrators and police chiefs of our neighboring communities, I feel it is to our mutual benefit and public safety to restore the previous speed limits on Burma Road,” said Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer. “It’s important that our military and civilian leaders work together to create a safer environment for all our community members and workforce who travel this roadway daily.”

The speed limit was originally 35 mph on Burma Road, but was increased nearly two years ago on most sections of the road. 

Navy and local officials have recorded an increase in motor vehicle accidents since then, however.

They’ve also seen a spike in animal-involved motor vehicle incidents, and the numbers of operators cited for traffic violations on the road since the speed limit was increased to 45 mph has also risen, according to NSN.

Although the Navy has proprietary jurisdiction of the public roadway that it also owns and maintains, it does not take over any state or local jurisdiction’s obligation for law enforcement responsibilities. 

“We will be engaging in a public information campaign to inform and prepare our installation and local communities for this significant change during the next several weeks,” said Bruce Katz, installation public affairs officer. “We are working with the local jurisdictions’ police and public information partners to amplify communications and messages, alerting local residents and drivers to the pending changes.”