Speed limits on McChord to change Published Dec. 11, 2009 By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Approval of new speed limits on McChord in the coming weeks will bring about some changes to travel on base. Those changes, which take effect Dec. 21, shift a greater responsibility to slow down on base to all drivers. In early December, Col. Kenny Weldon, 62nd Mission Support Group commander, announced changes to the base's speed limits following a study which identified potential inconsistencies in traffic safety and Washington state law. "At McChord, we take traffic safety seriously," said Colonel Weldon. "The new speed limits will incorporate changes aimed at fostering safety based on traffic standards and good judgment." The changes affect Barnes Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard and Fairway Road where the speed limit is raised from 30 mph to 35 mph, Col. Joe Jackson Boulevard beginning at the light on Barnes to the railroad tracks is 30 mph, and from the railroad tracks to the gate it will remain 20 mph. Levitow Boulevard changes to 20 mph, as well as 14th and 16th Streets on either side of the commissary. The speed limit in housing will be 25 mph, consistent with local communities. All other streets on base are 30 mph unless otherwise posted. "The decision to change the speed limits is due to traffic safety and Washington state law," said Tech. Sgt. Antone Baillie, 62nd Security Forces Squadron. "It's time to incorporate changes that will bring about not only increased safety, but greater consistency with speed limits throughout the base." The changes will have 62nd SFS members who routinely patrol the streets around base looking for speeders with a sharp eye. "Our security forces Airmen will be keeping a close eye out for those who are speeding on base," Colonel Weldon said. "The speed limits will be strictly enforced." We won't hesitate to write a ticket, Sergeant Baillie said.