Coweta County commissioners agreed with a traffic study along McIntosh Trail in east Coweta linking Sharpsburg and Senoia that recommended a reduction in the speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour. The change will not go into effect until it is approved by Georgia Dept. of Transportation (GDOT).

“The data shows that the limit should be 45,” said county administrator Theron Gay, referencing the section of McIntosh Trail between Byrom Road and Ga. Highway 54. The section of McIntosh between Byrom Road and Senoia city limits is already posted at 35 miles per hour.

The study noted data collected at three locations along the section of road posted at 55 miles per hour. The existing average travel speed along two of the three locations exceeded 55 miles per hour, said Development & Engineering Director Wayne Kennedy. Drivers more often traveled in excess of the speed limit in the areas between Reese Road and Byrom Road.

Commenting on the study in a March 17 letter, Kennedy said that in conjunction with the speed data, “...we looked at the geometric configuration of this roadway and based on recommended data for a roadway of this nature, the posted speed limit should be 45 MPH. This is based on roadway width, vertical and horizontal alignment, on four of the horizontal curves that do not meet the minimum radius, super elevation rates for 55 MPH and several vertical curves that do not have adequate sight distance.”

The approval by commissioners cannot be implemented with the posting of the new speed limit until GDOT gives its approval. The time frame for the approval is unknown.

login to post comments