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Published Friday, April 03, 2009 in Local
Photo by Bob Fraley
Traffic moves along the construction zone of I-85 in north Coweta Friday afternoon. This view is looking north from the Palmetto-Tyrone Road overpass.
Speed limit dropped to 50 through Coweta on I-85
The Newnan Times-Herald
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced Friday that the speed limit on Interstate 85 in Coweta County has been dropped to 50 miles per hour.
The DOT made the announcement shortly after noon, and stated that the new speed limit would take effect immediately. The lowered speed limit is in effect throughout Coweta County and north into Fulton County to Exit 61 at Ga. Hwy. 74/Senoia Road.
The speed limit change comes on the heels of a fatal accident on the interstate Monday and a fiery crash that shut lanes down for hours on Tuesday near Northgate High School. And the change comes just before waves of school spring break travelers begin to make their way to Panama City and other Gulf Coast beaches.
With the combination of spring break and The Masters golf tournament April 6-12 in Augusta, extremely high traffic volumes are expected statewide beginning today, said DOT Spokesman David Spear.
As for the speed limit reduction, "speeding is the largest contributor to incidents within this work zone," said Thomas Howell, DOT district engineer. "Our decision to further reduce the speed limit is consistent with the department's mission of providing for the safety of the traveling public."
Speeding fines can be doubled in work zones.
The speed limit change was good news to Coweta County Commissioner Randolph Collins, who is also a law enforcement officer.
"It is up to the people now to obey it and hopefully slow down," Collins said. "And law enforcement can enforce it."
Many Cowetans have expressed concerns about the long stretches of highway bounded on each side by concrete barriers.
But officials from the Federal Highway Administration and DOT engineers "determined that the current configuration of concrete barriers was necessary to protect both motorists and workers in the construction zone," said DOT region spokeswoman Kimberly Larson.
There is a significant drop-off in pavement levels outside the barriers, said Howell. "It was our collective judgment that this grade change warranted a continuous barrier wall to prevent vehicles from dropping off the current road surface and perhaps overturning."
The travel lanes are currently 11 feet wide, said Larson. They cannot be made any wider, "because of the change in grade of the lane motorists are traveling in and the drop to the area currently under construction."
The DOT's standard for lane widths is 12 feet.
The third phase of the lane replacement project, which runs from Ga. Hwy. 74 to Bullsboro Drive, was originally set to have three travel lanes, with one lane separated from the other two by an under-construction lane.
However, "upon further review by GDOT engineers and FHWA, it was realized that we could complete construction at a safer and more speedy pace by reducing the lanes down to two travel lanes, allowing work to continue on two lanes at a time outside of the barrier walls," Larson said.
When asked if programmable signs could be erected to inform motorists of crash-related delays, Larson said that "message boards are utilized if the accident and cleanup are determined to be lengthy."
However, she said, "most accidents occurring in this work zone are cleared before there is time to place a message board in a location to alert motorists."
Comment On This Story
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Nothing is going to change on 85 until someone sues and wins big. Some people will still speed, and some people will still drive unsafely. But most of all, the road is not designed to safely handle the traffic it carries!
Posted by KS at 6:59 PM
the two lane barriers will not allow anyone to get a ticket safely. If a officer gets behind someone they will have to follow them for some time to get to a safe pull over area. Yes speed maybe a problem but the people who just run their own speed (posted or not) and do not flow with the traffic are the real problems.
Posted by Jerry at 6:53 PM
What a bunch of bull. The DOT plainly states the lanes are not wide enough, they were trying to cut costs by reducing lanes from 3 to 2, and they recognize the pavement levels are dangerous. And they are too lazy and cheap to do anything about it. How long does it take to get a couple of words onto a message board? And not a single indication they are sympathetic to anyone traveling the route on a daily basis. Someone should lose their job.
Posted by Different Route at 2:20 PM
Wish the Sheriff's office was more concerned with protecting our lives on I 85 by enforcing the speed limit. It's only a wish though. I never see enforcement on the roadway. Thanks alot.
Posted by Dennis Mitchell at 1:50 PM
Won't make one bit of difference because the speed limit isn't enforced!
Posted by Fed Up at 12:32 PM
How long did we drive on 85 with 4 lanes and a 70 MPH speed limit? I think it was more than just a couple years. Construction is'nt in the traffic lanes. Speed is not the problem. The problem is a bunch people who need to go back to driving school. Slow traffic and trucks stay right, not block traffic. Get the people off the road driving stupid, not the people moving with traffic. Moving with traffic, with two open lanes, at 70 MPH, like they have for years. Stupid is stupid and most of the time it's slow and stupid.
Posted by Stay Right at 9:48 AM
Coweta County Sheriffs Office has 2 dedicated traffic units one the Heat Unit is a grant from the Governors Office of Hwy safety. That time is a four or five person unit. I never see them on I-85. The other unit is the traffic unit with also consist of 4 or 5 members and they ar rearly on I-85. I have seen more troopers on I-85 than Deputies. I also know the troopers are very over worked with wrecks because the S.O. traffic units will not work minor wrecks in the county. I know for a fact they have had the same and more training on wrecks then most troopers. SO WHY ISN'T THE TRAFFIC UNITS DOING THERE JOBS.
Posted by Leo Also at 10:07 PM
Unreal but true. You get a ticket for doing the posted speed limit. What a country. I saw it happen by two guys trying to prove a point.
Posted by Skip at 8:58 PM
Hmmm...after reading the article and all the comments...maybe the best solution is one lane? Right smack dab in the middle, plenty of room (not sub-standard)...barrels down each side...and nobody gets on or off? Official cars could get on or sit on the left, hit a barrel, and whoever it hits gets the ticket (we can have ambulances with personnel, the coroner, the press, tow trucks, etc. right in the left hand lane...is that right?) The editorial in the Times-Herald states that unless you really need to be there (on I85, please don't be...) Tickets? What are they supposed to do in this siutation? Drop them on the cars from above? (That does not sound too safe to me...)
Posted by Gwendol Bowling at 8:46 PM
If two cars are driving the speed limit next to each other, how can that be illegal. They are both driving the upper limit of the legal speed limit for that area of highway. Anyone else wishing to go faster is breaking the law.
Posted by D at 8:30 PM
No Steve you can't impede traffic flow like that. It would be a good idea but best left to an offical marked vechile. If you pissed off the wrong person it could get ugly.
Posted by c at 7:30 PM
I didn't realize the rolling roadblock was illegal, irritating maybe. Probably no more illegal than speeding in a construction zone and certainly less dangerous. I'll try to avoid the "private" rolling roadblock.
Posted by Steve at 6:01 PM
Hey, Steve, creating your own "private" rolling roadblock is illegal.
Posted by SD at 3:47 PM
Coming from a town that did not have the good sense to get out before Katrina arrived is not a good example of how to manage a construction zone. BTW, you failed to mention, on the 22 Miles causeway, they put down traffic cones and force everyone into 1 lane.
Posted by mark at 3:35 PM
I was passed by one of Coweta's Finest (I say that with utmost respect!) this morning. He/She was doing at least 65mph between the barricades. Good thing it was in Fulton County. I guess the rules only apply to certain people. LEAD BY EXAMPLE! In New Orleans, when fog would roll in, the officers for the Causeway would do "rolling roadblocks". Essentially, they would drive the speed they wanted everyone to go and lead the parade across the 24 mile stretch of bridge.
Posted by G at 1:59 PM
Reducing the speed limit won't make a difference, those who exceeded the 60 mph limit will still speed. If I find someone doing the limit in the right lane I'll move to the left lane next to them and do the limit, sure will back up the traffic but minimize the chance of a wreck ahead of me.
Posted by Steve at 1:53 PM
when you are in a two lane situation why not treat the lane as if you are in a tunnel and alow no passing.
Posted by john at 1:46 PM
I would like to know how many speeding tickets have been issued since the I 85 construction started. All you have to do is drive in the construction zone and see that tickets are not beeing issued.
Posted by John Alexander at 11:55 AM
Speeders on I-85 do slow down -- but only after they've reached the Fairburn/PTC exit, especially once they get inside the perimeter. That's because radar-toting troopers and local policemen make themselves visible and ticket those who won't slow down.
Posted by Frank at 2:02 AM
Having just traveled I-85 last night I can tell you NO ONE, with the exception of us, was or is obeying the speed limit. We were driving approximately 50-52 mph, we were practically being run over. Every other vehicle was practically flying by us. If the speed limit isn't enforced then it's useless. Maybe some of the police/troopers sitting out on Hwy 16 close to the intersection of the 34 bypass and Temple Ave./Hwy 16, could try patrolling the interstate. It's a thought.
Posted by angel at 1:57 AM
The new limit sure is great, I went through the construction zone around 2:00 Sat. and set my cruse at 50mph, I was almost rear ended twice, and got many dirty looks. Maybe we could enforce the old 60mph law rather than just make a new law.By the way I never saw one CCSO or State Patrol car.
Posted by Citizen at 11:46 PM
Tell me again how many new State Patrol officers just got added to the force here in Coweta County...3 or 4? And you know the ONLY time I see them? Hiding just out of sight on surface streets with 35/45 MPH limits and rolling down Highway 16, places that need radar detection a LOT less than I-85. Until it is determined that there needs to be a police presence in the area of I-85 other than to tail DOT vehicles and write accident reports, NOBODY is going to slow down. I know of 1 stretch near the county line that if you go any less than 90 MPH, you risk being ran off the road by speed demons.
Posted by Ponsonby Britt at 11:30 PM
No trucks! no food,beer medical supplies,clothes.Just because a truck passes you i guess its there fault.Are a truck is in a wreck it is his or hers fault.Grow up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Phil at 10:00 PM
Unless there is enforcement, the 50 MPH will not work. I traveled northbound on I-85 this morning at 8:30 AM and the average speed between Sharpsburg exit and Highway 74 was over 70 MPH. Again this afternoon at 5:15 PM travelling southbound along the same stretch of I85 the majority of traffic was travelling in excess of 70 MPH.
Posted by Monroe W. DeVos at 9:19 PM
Wow that idea about the overhead radars sound like it would really work. But I bet they cost big money. I love the idea because it doesn't require any police chases or actual police officers.
Posted by c at 7:49 PM
Thats it a train track going to every business. Then you would complain about the train noise. Trucks are not the problem most times, its the way cars and pickups drive around them. If the police in Ga. won't enforce the speed limits within 5 mph, then nobody cares to slow down.
Posted by Matt at 5:35 PM
It would be excellent if drivers could consider a slower speed and maybe a longer life.Accidents due to speeding have claimed too many innocent people lives.Now the price for driving more than 50 miles per hour on I-85 in Coweta County could and should be four times the clocking speed of the driver.
Posted by Mary Geter-Echols at 5:28 PM
Now we need to use photo technology like they use in europe. Then send it in the mail to the owner of the vehichle and that will stop all the lawless operators. Why risk the lives of officers and motorist. This system works great on the autobahn.
Posted by Ron at 3:45 PM
Now..if someone could figure out how to get rid of the trucks and use the trains for hauling instead..
Posted by Susan at 3:19 PM
Drop it more and more and enforce it. I had to drive through Oklahoma City several years back on a weekly basis and the speed limit for miles was 25 mph with police at each end of the zone writing tickets for speeders that were clocked by over head radar. There is money to be taken from the pockets of speeder and when at fault for an accident involving death they should get a lot of prison time. Lets get this done and safely. Keep dropping the speed limit until it is safe.
Posted by Dyark at 3:17 PM
I say put cops on all the exit ramps and some plain type pace cars in amongst the traffic. Have the cars being clocked and then pull them off at the exit ramps. And I say triple the traffic funds and impounded the cars til the fee is paid. There problem solved for everybody. Lol JUST KIDDING.
Posted by c at 3:15 PM
60 MPH limit is not the problem, if it were enforced! While traveling at 60, tail-gaiters appear and speeders pass regularly. My experience is that very few drivers adhere to any limit if not enforced.
Posted by Clyde Loper at 2:36 PM
Reducing the speed limit is NOT going to help. Even if every single driver was traveling at 50 mph, there is still NO room for error. If a driver doesn't see another car in their blind spot and tries to move over, the other driver does not have anywhere to go. If you see an accident happening up in front of you, you have no where to go if there is not time to stop! These barriers are most definitely death traps! Not only have they closed motorists in to two lanes with no where to escape in the event of an emergency, but the width of each lane is a SUBstandard 11" instead of 12". This greatly increases the chance for an accident. Drivers ARE going to make bad decisions when driving, even when they are obeying the speed limit and when they are not being intentionally reckless. In order to prevent these horrible collisions, these concrete barriers MUST come down and another alternative has to be put in place. The GDOT has not done their job in keeping the drivers in our state safe. It is time for them to step up and do something that will make a REAL difference!
Posted by Peri Parker at 2:30 PM
I figured this "solution" was coming. Why not just go all the way, and just outlaw crashes? Better still, just shut the thing down and let them work on it from now on. Jobs program and "safety" at the same time- both problems solved! Here's the thing- "speed" alone isn't the problem. Erratic driving, impatience, inexperience, and stupidity are. This is just another way for cash-strapped governments to raise revenue, and for the authorities to say that they've done something to "fix" a problem they have created themselves. The construction zone is a poorly designed, substandard death trap. Sorry, but posting more signs and flashing lights ain't gonna solve the problem THEY have made.
Posted by Commuter at 1:37 PM
I was driving home yesterday on 85 S and saw the amended speed limit signs. 50 MPH. I was traveling at about the same speed as most of the other vehicles out there, and my speedometer's needle was pointed at 70 MPH. NOBODY slowed down. Decreased speed limits MIGHT have an effect, but only if there are Blue Light Specials stationed at the top of every hill. And truck lane restrictions need to be strictly enforced -- again... somehow.
Posted by SD at 1:32 PM
Drove it yesterday with the new speed limit. Large trucks passing everyone. Lots of lane changes. Mostly ignored. Even when diesel was sky high, the big rigs were flying by at 70+. I think they know the police can't enforce it with all the physical restrictions. More accidents and deaths to come... sad.
Posted by MPG at 1:28 PM
The footings on the barricades seem to be as much a problem to me as the side drop offs. The other day, I noticed a Fed Ex truck trying to avoid the barricade footings, and ever so slightly needing to cross over the white lines. Please remember to give these LARGE vehicles plenty of space! It takes them a lot to stop, where smaller vehicles can stop on a dime. Please watch out for the other guy!
Posted by Gwendol Bowling at 12:39 PM
The only way the deaths will stop is when they hurry up and finish this project! Geesh!
Posted by jaded at 11:49 AM
Drivers do not obey speed limit signs nor do they care, so imposing a new speed limit is a joke. They will drive the same way like before fast fast and even faster. And with cutting it down to 2 lanes will have folks weaving in and out of traffic. Safe NO
Posted by Susanne Fanelli at 11:34 AM
Making the law is one thing. Enforcing it is another. I agree with Armchair Vig. One way I found to avoid being "pushed" by rigs and cars is to put a magnetic sign on back of car. It says "SPEED LIMIT DRIVER". It works believe me.
Posted by DeeBradley at 11:33 AM
On the section on highway that has two lanes.... you'd better be traveling as fast as the 18 wheeler behind you... How is the speed limit going to be enforced? Patrols can't get to folks to stop them... I am so looking forward to the increase in vehicles due to spring break and the Masters.... It is bumper to bumper now... Some of us have to get to Atlanta to work every day. The road construction has been a nightmare...
Posted by J at 8:21 AM
The time to do this was weeks ago. It will help now. I guess it takes death and more death to get changes made. I wish we had a proactive government instead of a really slow reactive one. The FHWA and GDOT really dropped the ball on this one and they will never admit it. Lives were lost due to their failure.
Posted by Dyark at 3:01 AM
How many more death's must occur on this dangerous highway before something is really done to correct the problem. Slowing down is a good start. But the police presence is a joke. Somebody wake up the contract officer sitting in his car. Poor design, I just hope I am not the next fatality on this road
Posted by Wing and a Prayer at 2:41 AM
Wow. They changed the speed limit. Big Freaking Deal. People are still going to speed no matter what the posted limit is. If only they could do something, I don't know, like maybe increase patrols????
Posted by Armchair Vigilante at 12:47 AM
Excellent decision!!
Posted by Susan at 12:36 AM
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How about engineering being the blame?
4/6/2009
Link To This Comment
Spped may be a contributing factor, but not near as much as the poor design of the edge of the roadway. You go from lane on pavement to mud that will make a yugo sink up to its axels and all in less then a foot of roadway. They lowered the speed to 50 and I saw a pickup spun out in the ditch. So what did the spped limit do?
Posted by Dennis Kidd at 10:34 PM