News Release

Assateague Island National Seashore Announces Reduced Speed Limits on Assateague Island

15 mph speed limit sign posted on Bayberry Drive

NPS

News Release Date: September 14, 2021

Contact: Hugh Hawthorne, 410-629-6080

Berlin, MD - Effective immediately the National Park Service has lowered vehicular speed limits on several portions of Bayberry Drive within Assateague Island National Seashore. The speed limit is now 15 MPH for the portion of Bayberry Drive beginning shortly north of the park entrance sign, through the bicycle/pedestrian crossing at Oceanside Drive. This section includes the entrance station booths, the entrance/exits to the North Beach Campground and Ranger Station and the intersections between Bayberry Drive, Bayside Drive and Oceanside Drive. The 15 MPH speed limit area at the end of Bayberry Drive has also been expanded, and now includes the approaches to the traffic circle, the circle itself and the approaches to the Oversand Vehicle Zone entrance.  

These changes have been made to increase safety in the most congested areas of the park. Within these areas traffic interacts with large numbers of bicycles and pedestrians. Also possibly present are wildlife (horses or deer etc.), Golf Carts, ATVs, UTVs, park Maintenance vehicles and vehicles making U-turns.  The congestion and complex traffic flow of these areas makes them potentially very dangerous. 

Visitors are reminded that the speed limit on Oceanside Drive is still 15 MPH and the limit inside the campground loops is 10 MPH. The maximum speed limit anywhere within Assateague Island National Seashore is 25 MPH. Always be on the look out for pedestrians (especially children), bicycles and wildlife.  

Visitors are also cautioned to stay within all posted speed limits, and to exercise extreme caution at night and in periods of low visibility due to fog or rain. The safety of visitors, staff and wildlife require safe and vigilant driving by all concerned. Together, we can make Assateague Island a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.

For general information about the Seashore and park activities access the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.