EASTHAMPTON – Addressing road safety concerns, the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has approved speed limit reductions on a stretch of Route 10.

The approved speed limit adjustments include a reduction from 35 to 30 mph from West Street to Florence Road; a reduction from 40 to 30 from Florence Road to just north of Aubuchon Hardware; and a reduction from 45 to 35 from just north of Aubuchon Hardware to the Northampton city line.

The decision to lower speeds follows City Council’s petition to do so in October.

Speed limit signs near Florence Road will subsequently be removed, as the speed zone is no longer necessary.

Existing signage in other areas will also be updated to reflect the new changes.

MassDOT also installed two rectangular rapid flashing beacons as a safety enhancement during the construction period through the completion of the 2028 Transportation Improvement Program project that will further enhance safety along the corridor.

That project will resurface and widen the road, construct and reconstruct sidewalks, add new wheelchair ramps and crosswalks, and improve signage, pavement markings and drainage.

Maddie Fabian can be reached at mfabian@gazettenet.com.