GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio The 50-mph speed limit that extends all the way to the downtown area has long been a concern of local residents.

Yesterday, state Rep. Randy Gardner (R., Bowling Green) was notified that the Ohio Department of Transportation has decided to reduce the speed limit on State Rt. 65 from the eastern corporation limit to Front Street to 40 mph.

An ODOT letter to Mr. Gardner said it conducted a speed-zone study that showed the safe and appropriate speed for the stretch was 40 mph.

First Published May 24, 2008, 11:00 a.m.