65mph on I-285 top-end coming soon (Atlanta, Smyrna: safe, moving, transportation)

[netdragon]

Get ready to drive faster on I-285, when it isn't backed up at least!

GDOT to Increase Speed Limit on I-285's Top End - Government - Smyrna-Vinings, GA Patch

The Georgia Department of Transportation will raise the base speed limit on I-285 within Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties in the portion that is known as the 'Top End.'

[MattCW]

They should have just made the whole thing 65 and left it at that. Either the road is free flowing, or it's backed up enough that cars won't even be doing 35, much less 65. Just another solution looking for a problem that doesn't exist.

[netdragon]

The Southern part was already increased to 65mph.

The speed limit will apparently be variable based on congestion, with the highest speed limit being 65mph.

[erick295]

Originally Posted by MattCW

They should have just made the whole thing 65 and left it at that. Either the road is free flowing, or it's backed up enough that cars won't even be doing 35, much less 65. Just another solution looking for a problem that doesn't exist.

Actually the point is to reduce backups by keeping people moving at a constant speed. Congestion turns into gridlock because of human behavior, not because the cars don't fit on the road.

The variable speed limits aren't going to help, but that's only because most drivers are going to ignore them, not because the concept is flawed. They'd help a lot if people actually followed them.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by erick295

Actually the point is to reduce backups by keeping people moving at a constant speed. Congestion turns into gridlock because of human behavior, not because the cars don't fit on the road.

The variable speed limits aren't going to help, but that's only because most drivers are going to ignore them, not because the concept is flawed. They'd help a lot if people actually followed them.

So often I've seen a minor backup just because one car in a center lane or even a far right lane is going slower than everyone else. People want to get around the slow car so they try to get over which slows down other lanes while backing up the lane with the slow driver.

I usually average 65-70 on 285 when safe to do so. And there are still people going faster but that's just the speed of traffic there. A delay there is basically when you have to slow down to 60 or below. Of course you're technically still above the speed limit. I see the same thing on 400 and 85 where the limit is 55. People just don't care and enforcement is pretty low. It won't change anything except for a few people.

I'm glad they raised the limit on the C/D lanes on 85 north of 316 from 55 to 65. That part is safer to drive fast than the mainlines. Made no sense. But again, no one really followed the limit.

[billl]

How does this make any difference in the real world? Cars on all the Atlanta interstates already drive like the speed limit is 75.

[Schemula]

It does not matter much. You can go about 72mph in a 55 and about 74 in a 65. So...

And the GSP is not doing anyone any favors with their non-stop speed trapping. Basically, there is no pressure valve. Everyone is going the same speed and now the wrecks are larger multi-car wrecks. I'm sure it's in the name of safety, but it's not safer. The revenue I'm sure is nice though.

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by erick295

Actually the point is to reduce backups by keeping people moving at a constant speed. Congestion turns into gridlock because of human behavior, not because the cars don't fit on the road.

The variable speed limits aren't going to help, but that's only because most drivers are going to ignore them, not because the concept is flawed. They'd help a lot if people actually followed them.

Exactly. I know what the point is supposed to be, but it won't work. The only reason for this is to hit drivers for not going 35 when it's a clear road to generate more revenue. It will be impossible to prove that the sign didn't say 35 so unless you get a lawyer, who's the judge going to believe?

[erick295]

Originally Posted by MattCW

Exactly. I know what the point is supposed to be, but it won't work. The only reason for this is to hit drivers for not going 35 when it's a clear road to generate more revenue. It will be impossible to prove that the sign didn't say 35 so unless you get a lawyer, who's the judge going to believe?

LOL, what? If the gubment just wanted money then why would they dream up some elaborate and highly illegal revenue-generating conspiracy that requires the coordination of multiple departments and the installation of expensive electronic signage instead of just ticketing more of the hundreds of thousands of people who are already speeding?

edit: spelling fail

[PKCorey]

I guess, this explains all the jersey barriers cutouts from I-75 to roughly around Covington Highway (give or take?).

I wish, GA DOT would build out the camera system and digital boards.