The speed limit along Highway 47 will be lowered to 45 mph inside the Marthasville city limits. That was the decision of the Marthasville Board of Aldermen following a recommendation from MoDOT officials Tuesday night. MoDOT traffic operations engineer Brian Untiedt said a recent study showed that the average speed of 85 percent of the vehicles traveling on the north side of town was 52 mph or less. In the southern stretch of Highway 47, the average vehicle speed was 56 mph. Based on the increased number of driveways and crashes, Untiedt suggested to city officials the speed limit be lowered from 55 to 45 mph through the city. Aldermen voted 4-0 to have an ordinance drawn up by city attorney Chris Graville. A vote on the ordinance, needed so the new speed limit can be enforced, is expected at the Feb. 9 meeting. Upon passage, Untiedt said MoDOT crews will begin changing signs. "We've seen the need to lower it to 45 mph," Untiedt said. "Enforcement will play a part in reducing the accident rate. Any time we lower a speed limit in the city we like to work with the city." Despite having only five accidents reported in 2008 (four) and 2007 (one), the annual average accident rate has nearly tripled over the past five years, according to MoDOT officials. The crashes also have led to multiple fatalities in the past couple of years. Accident figures for 2009 were not available. "It's something we need to do," Mayor Dale Verges said. "There are a lot more exits and entrances on that road. It's something to help that area." The speed limit has raised concerns from family members who have had relatives killed along the stretch inside the city and local government officials. Last October, the Warren County Commission reiterated their support for lowering the speed limit during a meeting with Paula Gough, MoDOT Northeast District engineer. The recent development of property on the north side that included the construction of Heritage Bank, Citizens Bank and the Infield Sports Bar and Grill has doubled the number of driveways entering and exiting the highway along that section. The intersection of Highway 47 and One Street - located near the entrance to S&R Convenience Store and Twin Gables - also has been considered a problem area. During the speed study, Untiedt noted the data recommended only the north side be lowered which would have stopped near the sharp curve at the Highway 94 intersection. The southern side didn't meet the requirements due to the lack of driveways and accidents in that area, Untiedt said. Nonetheless, MoDOT officials said the entire stretch needed to be 45 mph due to concerns over having two different speed limits in a short stretch. "The study just worked out that it warrants to go slower now," Untiedt said. Police Chief Eugene Jenkins said he was in favor of the change. The 45 mph speed limit will be enforced in the city limits located between Martin Funeral Home and just south of One Street. "I'm glad they decided to go all the way through town," he said.