We, the undersigned residents of LaGrange and surrounding communities, are calling for immediate action to address the dangerous intersection at Highway 27 (Hamilton Road) and Robertson Road. 

This intersection sits at the bottom of a steep, blind hill. Vehicles traveling downhill routinely exceed the posted 55 mph speed limit, often hitting 60 mph or more. Because of the hill’s crest, approaching cars are not visible until they are just 550 feet away.

At 60 mph, a car travels 88 feet per second, meaning it will reach the intersection in only 6.25 seconds from the moment it becomes visible. Safe left turns typically require a 7–8 second gap for a passenger car — and that’s without factoring in the extra time needed to also check the opposite direction. The average driver’s reaction time alone is 1.5 seconds, which leaves less than 5 seconds to decide, accelerate, and clear the lane before an oncoming vehicle arrives.

To make matters worse, the view to the right is blocked by trees and vegetation. Drivers must look back and forth between both directions, and each glance takes critical seconds off the already-short window. This creates a “perfect storm” for collisions: a blind hill to the left, blocked visibility to the right, and speeding downhill traffic.

I have personally lived at this intersection for 1.5 years. Yesterday marked the third serious accident I’ve witnessed here during that time. Many other residents have had close calls or near-misses, and we fear it’s only a matter of time before another life-changing crash occurs.

According to highway safety standards, the stopping sight distance at 60 mph is about 566 feet on level, dry pavement — more than what’s available here — and downhill conditions make it worse. This means even alert drivers cannot stop in time if a hazard appears at this intersection.

We are asking Troup County to submit a formal request to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for:

A speed and safety study at this location.

Installation of a radar speed feedback sign for vehicles approaching downhill.

Vegetation clearing to improve visibility to the right.

These are simple, proven measures that can save lives. We should not wait for another tragedy before taking action.

We have taken photos and videos of the hill crest, the blocked right-hand view, and actual traffic patterns at this intersection. These can be provided to Troup County officials and GDOT upon request to support this petition.

Please sign and share this petition so our community can speak with one voice and demand a safer intersection for everyone who drives, walks, or bikes through this area.