ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Those traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway during the Memorial Day weekend are being warned that the speed limit has been reduced on a five-mile stretch around Asheville.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported (http://avlne.ws/MtItIM ) the speed limit is being reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph.

Chief Ranger Steve Stinnett says the slower speeds will improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The reduced speed limit will be in effect from milepost 383 at the Swannanoa River to milepost 389 at U.S. Highway 25. That's the most heavily traveled section of the parkway.

Stinnett says it's also the section of the parkway with the most accidents.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com