Locust Grove Looking at Speed Limit on State Route 42

A reduction in speed limit on state route 42 could be forthcoming, if Locust Grove can get the state onboard to approve its request. The city is planning to look at the speed limit both north and south of town.

In addition, the city is asking for changes to the road. They also have another potential new signal on their radar.

State Route 42 Speed Limit

Presently, the state route 42 speed limit increases to 55 mph when exiting Locust Grove. Going northbound, this occurs shortly after Marketplace Blvd. When leaving town southward, the increase happens after Grove Road. Within the main part of town, the limit is 35 and 45 mph.

Locust Grove will be asking the state to review lowering the limit to 45 mph. The proposed area to be 45 mph could look something like this: SR 42 from Harris Drive to Marketplace, and SR 42 from Grove Road to past Locust Road. Any changes, and where to make them, are ultimately up to Georgia DOT following a speed study.

Georgia DOT considers several factors when determining the speed limit. They include the following:

• Representative field checks of existing speeds to calculate the 85th percentile speed and the pace speed [pace speed is the 10-mph range within which most cars using a roadway segment travel].
• Roadside development – the study may consider land uses, numbers and types of buildings, driveways and curb-cuts, signage, lighting, and other characteristics.
• Road geometrics and design – width, clearances, shoulders, sight distances and stopping sight distances.
• Other conditions of the roadway – parking, presence of pedestrians and trucks.
• Accident history – for the recent 12-month period.
• Test drive – to confirm driving conditions.

After looking at the above factors, the state DOT will determine whether to change the speed limit. They can also leave it as is. There is no estimate on how long this may take.

Other Changes

Secondly, Locust Grove will be asking Georgia DOT to change highway 42 south of town. Specifically, the city will be asking the state to remove the southbound passing lane that begins near Sims Road. This is because of concerns about motorists speeding within the area. The city would like to see the center lane become a center turn lane instead.

The removal of the passing lane would coincide with the proposed new grocery store in the area. The city has recently received a rezoning request for a new grocery store on highway 42. The property is at the southwest corner of Tanger Blvd. The applicant is requesting a new traffic light at the intersection.

The council will vote in May whether to approve the rezoning request.

Future Traffic Signal

Finally, the city has on its radar about a possible future signal at SR 42 and Davis Road. Upcoming development within the Bridle Creek subdivision, located south of highway 42, may contribute to needing a signal in the area. The first step would be for Locust Grove to commission an intersection control evaluation (ICE). ICE is the GDOT policy tool when looking at a possible intersection improvement. Any changes, such as a new signal, require state approval.

The city is already working with Georgia DOT to install a new signal at state route 42 and Bethlehem Road. Expect construction sometime this year.

Featured image shows state route 42 north of Marketplace Blvd with ”??” on the speed limit sign. Google Streetview photo with edits.