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Council hears first readings to set 25 mph limit and restrict through-truck traffic on Coastal Highway
Summary
The council received first readings of two proposed ordinances that would set a 25 mph speed limit on the portion of Coastal Highway transferred to the city and restrict commercial through-truck traffic; the measures would also add a 'too fast for conditions' code violation and adopt the Traffic Violations Bureau fine schedule.
City Attorney Scott Robichaux presented two ordinances for the council’s first reading that would amend Chapter 13 of Port Wentworth’s City Code.
The first ordinance would set a 25 mile-per-hour speed limit on the portion of Coastal Highway recently transferred to city jurisdiction by the Georgia Department of Transportation and impose restrictions on commercial truck traffic to prevent the roadway from being used as a bypass route. When asked what speed limit would be set, Robichaux said the limit will be 25 mph.
The second ordinance would create a city-code violation for operating a vehicle too fast for existing conditions and would formally incorporate the Traffic Violations Bureau fine schedule into the City Code. Because both proposals amend the same chapter, Robichaux said a combined public hearing could be held.
City Manager Steve Davis told the council the city coordinated with affected stakeholders — including International Paper, the Savannah Sugar Refinery, the Georgia Ports Authority, local timber operations and DSI — and that local deliveries would continue to have access. Davis said DSI trucks would be permitted to use the shortest available route from Bonnybridge Road to the facility, limiting truck travel to one block and preventing through traffic in the downtown area.
Councilwoman ArtLise Alston-Cone asked about projected taxpayer and personnel costs for enforcement. Davis said existing personnel would be used to monitor compliance, no additional officers would be assigned specifically to the Coastal Highway corridor, enforcement would be heightened during the transition, and the cost would be minimal. The ordinance presentations were recorded as first readings; the council did not take final votes on either ordinance during this meeting.
Next steps: items will return for subsequent readings/hearings as appropriate; staff recommended coordination with stakeholders during implementation.
