WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Drivers in Warner Robins will need to leave a little earlier than usual to head to work due to new changes on Russell Parkway.
Since Russell Parkway opened in 2004, cars are constantly driving up and down the 10 mile stretch, but now, they'll need to slow down.
Sergeant Randy Evans, head of the Traffic Division at the Warner Robins Police Department, said changing the speed limit and adding a traffic signal was necessary. He said it's all about growth.
"Warner Robins is steadily growing. That stretch of Russell Parkway is growing with businesses," he said.
Evans said when the road first opened, there was nothing over there. Now, there are businesses, two elementary schools, and soon a housing complex will be in the area.
The speed limit on Russell between Elaine Drive and U.S. Highway 41 has now dropped from 55 miles per hour to 45.
The new traffic signal is in place at the intersection of Tharpe Road and Russell.
Evans said since 2004, they've seen 112 accidents near that intersection, with seven of them involving serious injuries.
"The light will hopefully alleviate the seriousness and some of the severity of the crashes that we work out there," Evans said.
Some on social media have voiced their praise, saying the change was needed, while others think it's a speed trap. Evans said at the end of the day, safety is most important.
"To the naysayers, with growth comes change, and that area is growing," he said. "It is getting congested out there."
He said there will be some leniency while drivers get used to the new light and the speed limit change, but Warner Robins police will be out monitoring the area.
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