DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — The intersection of Nelms Road and US-19 is getting additional changes to improve safety.

In April of 2025, the 4-way intersection was converted to a Reduced Conflict U-Turn (RCUT). The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is now reducing the speed limit in the area.

Speed will drop from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour. This change was proposed when the RCUT was installed; however, speed limit changes are a much lengthier process, according to GDOT.

The lower speed limit starts at mile marker 0.48 to mile marker 2.61. Those mile markers are approximately south of Hancock Road and north of Antioch Road.

“When Georgia DOT was considering converting the US-19 at Nelms Road intersection to an RCUT, we told county officials that we would also explore reducing the speed limit in that area. We are pleased that these safety collaborations have been made and remind motorists of the importance of obeying posted speed limits and traffic control devices.”

GDOT recommended the RCUT intersection after several wrecks occurred at the Nelms Road and US-19 intersection. One of the last wrecks to occur before the RCUT killed 20-year-old Alicia Cunningham. Cunningham’s Toyota Corolla was struck by a dump truck when she tried to cross US-19.

An RCUT intersection prevents traffic from crossing directly across US-19. Instead, drivers are required to turn right and use a designated U-turn Lane downstream of traffic to merge into US-19 traffic. Traffic flows normally on US-19.

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