U.S. 19 speed limit reduced for traffic approaching Nelms Road intersection
The speed limit for U.S. 19 traffic approaching the Nelms Road intersection has been reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph.
Special Photo: Georgia DOT
ALBANY – The speed limit for U.S. 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 (R-CUT) 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 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 also were installed to alert motorists of the change and give them time to safely adjust their speed.
“When Georgia DOT was considering converting the U.S. 19 at Nelms Road intersection to an R-CUT, we told county officials that we would also explore reducing the speed limit in that area,” Southwest District Engineer Jason Willingham said. “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.”
Georgia DOT recommended the R-CUT 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 U.S. 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 1.9. were not affected.
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