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Georgia Department of Transportation

06/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/25/2026 14:24

Dougherty Co US 19 speed limit reduced for traffic approaching Nelms Rd

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For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Contact: Nita Birmingham 229.326.5435
District Four Communications

US 19 speed limit reduced for traffic approaching Nelms Road intersection


DOUGHERTY COUNTY - The speed limit for US 19 traffic approaching the Nelms Road intersection has been reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph to further enhance safety for motorists traveling through the Putney area of Dougherty County.

The change in the speed limit was made in conjunction with the conversion of the intersection to a Reduced Conflict U-turn (RCUT) design. Georgia Department of Transportation changed the intersection design in August 2025. However, changing a speed limit is a lengthier process that starts with an Engineering and Traffic Investigation (ETI) and goes through multiple phases before new signs can be posted.

The lower speed limit is posted from mile markers 0.48 to 2.61, which is south of Hancock Road to north of Antioch Road. "Reduced speed ahead" signs were also installed to alert motorists of the change and give them time to safely adjust their speed.

"When Georgia DOT was considering converting the US 19 at Nelms Road intersection to an RCUT, we told county officials that we would also explore reducing the speed limit in that area. We are pleased that these safety collaborations have been made and remind motorists of the importance of obeying posted speed limits and traffic control devices," said Southwest District Engineer Jason Willingham.

Georgia DOT recommended the RCUT due to the number of angle crashes that occurred at the intersection when Nelms Road traffic was controlled only by stop signs. Nelms Road traffic can no longer cross US 19 to go straight across or to turn left. Traffic is required to make a right turn and travel downstream to complete a U-turn maneuver at Dorough Avenue or Broach Avenue. By restricting traffic movement, motorists have fewer ways of potentially colliding with other vehicles. Traffic movements on US 19 were not affected.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia's economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.
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Georgia Department of Transportation published this content on June 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 25, 2026 at 20:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]