MURFREESBORO – Due to law enforcement concerns and excessive speed used by some motorists, Harrell Street may soon be closed to thru traffic.

At their next regular meeting, the Murfreesboro Town Council has scheduled a public hearing to take comment on the street closing proposal.

A few months ago, Shelly Mayle urged the board to look into what could be done to Harrell Street. Mayle’s concerns lied with the high rate of speed some drivers use on the road and children playing in the area.

According to Town Administrator Brandon Holland, the Murfreesboro Police Department and Chowan University Police have expressed concerns over the street, which is adjacent to the Jenkins Center on Lakeview Drive, being used as a short cut between the university and Spring Avenue.

Holland noted there are congestion and parking problems around the town park during recreational games.

The issues surrounding Harrell Street have been discussed in previous meetings by the council and engineering plans were drawn for the changes to the street in 2010. The estimate on the project, according to the plans, is $31,300.

The modifications to the street would include an asphalt cul-de-sac near the Boy Scout Hut blocking the thru-flow of traffic. Holland said the other portion of the street would be tailored to accommodate parking for recreation activities and for the Boy Scout Hut.

The next meeting of the town council is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24.