Speed Limit Increases on U.S.441 in Banks, Jackson Counties

Motorists who use US441 in Banks and Jackson counties will be happy to learn of a planned increase in the speed limit.

On Tuesday, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced it will increase the speed limit on US 441 from the current 55 mph to 65 mph beginning next Tuesday, June 17th.

G-DOT spokesperson Teri Pope says the decision to raise the speed limit on US441 comes after an engineering study and data that supports most motorists are already driving at 65 mph or faster.

“When that road was widened ten years ago, the speed limit was marked 55mph, but that road was designed for higher speed limits,” Pope said. “It was designed for vehicles to travel at 65 mph safely.”

Pope said G-DOT official looked specifically at crash data and the roadway characteristics, including the grade of hills, valleys and the severity of curves.

The increased speed limit will affect a 25-mile long section of SR15/US441, but will not change in areas where the speed limit is lower than 55mph.

“Some the sections, for example through Nicholson where the speed limit is 45mph, will remain the same,” she said.

It is hoped putting the speed limit officially at 65 mph will keep traffic flowing at a consistent speed and that should increase safety.

Pope said G-DOT recently also raised the speed limit on US10 in Athens.