Speed limit on U.S. 231 raised between Troy and Brundidge

The speed limit on U.S. Highway 231from Swindall Road south of Troy to the Pea River Bridge south of Brundidge has been raised from 55 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour, except when otherwise designated.

Mike Griffin, division engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation in Troy, said the change was made in accordance with the federal limits for four-lane highways in the state.

Griffin said that he had received many complaints about the 55 mph speed limit, especially from commercial vehicles.

Based on the complaints, Griffin said a radar and speed survey was done and revealed that 85 percent of the vehicles that travel that stretch of highway were traveling at a speed of 65 or below. Based on the study and according to federal law, a decision was made to raise the speed limit.

“By law, 65 miles per hour is determined a safe speed for four-lane highways,” Griffin said. “When the four-lane was constructed back in the 1970s, the speed limit was 65. The highway was designed for that speed.”

Griffin said the speed limit on U.S. Highway south of Troy to the river bridge was reduced to 55 miles per hour due to the curvature of the highway.

In response to the many complaints he received about the 55 mph speed limit, Griffin said he initiated the speed survey back in the fall

The speed study took accident reviews into account. Griffin said speed was not reported to be the primary cause of accidents.

“The review revealed that intoxication and inattention such as texting, putting on makeup, eating a hamburger and so forth among the causes of highway accidents,” Griffin said.

“After the speed survey was completed, the change in the speed limit had to be approved by the state DOT, the State Troopers and the governor’s office. The change in the speed limit was done in accordance with federal law which established 65 miles per hour as a safe speed on a four-lane highway.”

Griffin said the presence or absence of a median was not a determining factor in establishing the safe speed on a four-lane highway.

The speed limit along the Brundidge bypass continues to be at 55 mph because that section of U.S. Highway is determined to be urban, Griffin said.