Speed limits on Batesville, Hamby, and Hickory Flat roads have recently been reduced to enhance safety. The city's ongoing mission to protect its citizens and preserve the area's character has led to a maximum speed of 40 mph, a drop from the earlier 45 mph limit. As of this week, new signage reflecting the changes has been put in place, the latest move since the adoption of Milton’s Local Road Safety Plan last year.
The initiative is comprehensive, given that all three roads extend to Milton's borders – including Cherokee County on Batesville and Hickory Flat roads, and Forsyth County for Hamby Road, according to the city's announcement. With radar permits updated, local police are now authorized to enforce the new speed limit. Milton’s Public Works Department, under the direction of Sara Leaders has installed the necessary signage and carried out the needed adjustments to traffic management, signaling the city's commitment to road safety and community well-being.
The review of speed limits comes from a thorough analysis sifting through road data—a process that is a cornerstone of Milton's Local Road Safety Plan. Approved by the City Council and subject to state scrutiny, the effort is a proactive push for safety. Residents can expect "potentially lowering speeds on even more roads in the future," as Public Works Director Sara Leaders stated, underscoring the plan’s expansive scope, as reported by the city's announcement.
Implementing speed decreases also answers community demands for preserving the serene, rural ambiance of the area. Beyond the present alterations, Milton’s City Council had the speed limit modifications reviewed by both the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Public Safety, essential steps towards their inclusion on the state’s radar permit. After the final nod from the Council on August 19, the city did not hesitate, swiftly acting to ensure residents were informed and kept safe with the new regulations.
