Question re US 82/GA 520 from Columbus to Tifton... (Atlanta, Albany: 2009, construction)

[Tourister]

Hi all..

Will be driving through Georgia in a couple of weeks during vacation, and have a question about our route...

We're heading from Birmingham via Columbus to pick up I-75 at Tifton, and that route takes us along US 82/GA 520. It appears this route is mostly four-lane divided highway, but in places does narrow and go through a few small towns, which makes me very wary of speed traps and such - particularly going through an area in the deep south. My intent was to avoid the major interstate east out of Birmingham->Atlanta to 75 because of extensive construction on I-75 between Atlanta and Cordele, but I just don't know how "back woods" I'm going by taking the GA 520 route.

Is the planned route from Columbus to Tifton a good idea? What kind of speed can I expect to sustain? Only interested in traveling the legal limit...or would I be better off to just pick up I-75 south of Atlanta by going east out of Birmingham on I-20?

Many thanks for your thoughts,
-D

[ATLCOL1]

Originally Posted by Tourister

Hi all..

Will be driving through Georgia in a couple of weeks during vacation, and have a question about our route...

We're heading from Birmingham via Columbus to pick up I-75 at Tifton, and that route takes us along US 82/GA 520. It appears this route is mostly four-lane divided highway, but in places does narrow and go through a few small towns, which makes me very wary of speed traps and such - particularly going through an area in the deep south. My intent was to avoid the major interstate east out of Birmingham->Atlanta to 75 because of extensive construction on I-75 between Atlanta and Cordele, but I just don't know how "back woods" I'm going by taking the GA 520 route.

Is the planned route from Columbus to Tifton a good idea? What kind of speed can I expect to sustain? Only interested in traveling the legal limit...or would I be better off to just pick up I-75 south of Atlanta by going east out of Birmingham on I-20?

Many thanks for your thoughts,
-D

That route is a good way to go. It is 4-laned all of the way to Tifton if I remember correctly. You will go thru a few small towns once you get south of Columbus, but it is a nice drive. Definitely stop in downtown Columbus while you are on your way. It is worth the stop.

[wareagle1]

hwy 82 from columbus to albany and tifton is one of georgias worst speed traps. especially the town of puolan. they have speed limits of 45 posted in many unusual areas.stay out of that part of ga if you can. any where you get off the interstate these small town police departments are waiting for you. they make a living off of travelers. stay on the interstate and let the vultures starve. The only thing in this area of ga
is cotton fields and peanuts so you wont miss anything worth seeing.

[jeff3166]

Since you plan on traveling the speed limit, the before-mentioned speed traps should be a non-issue to you.

But anyways, I can only speak for the section between Albany and Tifton, since I've traveled it a few times. It's roughly a 40 mile stretch, 4-lane all the way, and I'd estimate that 30 miles of it has a 55-65 mph speed limit. There's only a couple areas a long the way that slow down to 35 mph, while passing through a town.

Drive safe!

[powerplay]

Originally Posted by jeff3166

Since you plan on traveling the speed limit, the before-mentioned speed traps should be a non-issue to you.

But anyways, I can only speak for the section between Albany and Tifton, since I've traveled it a few times. It's roughly a 40 mile stretch, 4-lane all the way, and I'd estimate that 30 miles of it has a 55-65 mph speed limit. There's only a couple areas a long the way that slow down to 35 mph, while passing through a town.

Drive safe!

Since they planned on making the drive around the middle of june they either got a ticket and were arrested,decided not to go or made it by now....

[jeff3166]

Originally Posted by powerplay

Since they planned on making the drive around the middle of june they either got a ticket and were arrested,decided not to go or made it by now....

Hmmm....you're very right about that. I didn't think to check the date of the original post, I just assumed that... uh, yeah. But anywho-- thanks for enlightening me on that though.

I was going to suggest that since they were traveling from Columbus to Tifton, that they might as well stop off in Albany for a day or so, for no other reason than to enjoy all that there is here to be enjoyed, but I guess I'd have been a little late in that suggestion, as well.

[swimparent]

Be careful:
My daughter's fiance got a speeding ticket in Tifton over Easter Weekend...the police officer told him he was clocked at 90 in a 60 mph zone while everyone in the car knew he was exceeding the speed limit, he was not going 90! 80 at the most and the ticket is for $700!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The driver dared not talk back to the officer, just took the ticket and went on his way.

[Dart03]

I've had experiences with speed traps in Chattahoochee County which includes the majority of Ft. Benning, and Cusetta. Webster County also has been known to set speed traps on Hwy 520 between Richland and Weston where the speed limit is 55 mph. (it goes back to 65 once you get outside of Weston). Dawson is also a town that is notorious for speed traps, and the cops drive like crazy, making insane U-turns in heavy 4 lane traffic just to try to pull someone over for going a few miles over the speed limit! Those are the only real problems I know of between Columbus and Albany on Hwy 520/82. I've never been out passed Albany on 520/82 so I'm not sure on those speed traps.

Hwy 520/82 would be so much better if there were bypasses around some of these small towns that it goes through.. especially the city of Dawson with its redlights!!!

[gal59river]

Traveled this area in 7/2009, followed limits, had no problems. Lots of construction though, you may want to check on that (road jobs ) before starting out.

[doubledman]

Just traveled from Tifton Ga, to Birmingham Al. and back. I got stopped near Mile Marker 11 which is West of Richland Ga. Desolate 4 Lane Divided Highway with 55 MPH Speed Limit. I saw 2 cops with myself and another pulled over being ticketed going west, and saw 2 cops with people pulled over being ticketed on the way back Sunday Afternoon. They said I was going 70 in 55, and cost $167.