A handful of new laws are now in force on “The Dragon†— the winding 11.2-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 129 popular among motorists of various ilk — and Blount County Sheriff James Berrong has issued a reminder now that warmer weather is afoot. The new laws fall into two categories — new speed limits along various stretches of the road, and new truck restrictions. ‘The (new) Dragon’ rules: BCSO stresses driving safety - The Daily Times: News New speed limits — applying to some portions of U.S. Highway 129 outside of “The Dragon†— are as follows: • From U.S. 411 South to Gillenwater Road, the speed limit is now 50 mph. • From Gillenwater Road to the first boat ramp is now 40 mph. • From the first boat ramp to Happy Valley Road is now 50 mph. • From Happy Valley Road to Tab Cat Bridge is now 40 mph. • From Tab Cat Bridge to the North Carolina State line is now 30 mph. New truck restrictions on “The Dragon†are applicable from Tab Cat Bridge to the North Carolina state line. The restrictions are as follows: • No trailers longer than 30 feet are allowed. • No single-unit vehicles longer than 30 feet are allowed. • Any vehicle hauling double trailers that total more than 30 feet must drop one trailer at Tab Cat Bridge before taking the other across, and then return for the second trailer. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced the truck restrictions Dec. 2. Trucks aren’t the chief cause of trouble on “The Dragon,†but when big-rig accidents do occur, they often create delays on the road for hours thereafter. The speed limit changes are aimed at other vehicles, however, and motorcycles in particular. “The Dragon†is a popular destination ride for motorcyclists, due to its combination of lovely scenery and hairpin curves. To illustrate the hazards of traffic on “The Dragon,†TDOT recently issued crash statistics for the area between 2010 and 2012. According to TDOT, there were 204 accidents on “The Dragon†over that span. Six of those crashes involved fatalities. Those numbers are considered particularly significant given the length of, and overall traffic flow on that stretch of road. Berrong issued a statement saying that traffic on “The Dragon†seems to be on the upswing, and urging caution for motorists who drive it. “Traffic crashes occur o frequently on this curvy stretch of roadway,†he said. “Have fun, but please use caution.â€
I forget but Eric from Helix has a ticket in the showroom showing the limit. :frown2::lol: I think it may have even been 30 or 35 but meh. :ihih:
I wonder if Tennessee still maintains their exclusive non-membership with the DLC. Last time I got a ticket in TN, I paid it and went on my merry way with no ill effect on my PA license.
Yup they do and so does NC and Virginia. Ask me how I know.:devil: I have received tickets in all 3 states before I got my V1. Yes, radar detectors are illegal in VA but they can't detect my V1. I proved this to a few people last year on our midnight run from PA to NC. Tickets in all 3 states and no points on my PA driving record. :ihih:
“Traffic crashes occur too frequently on this curvy stretch of roadway,†he said. “Have fun, but please use caution.†I find this interesting. He didn't say obay the speed limit or take it slow. He said "have fun and be careful" Ok I will
Tabcat to the state line has been 30 for years, the changes are in the area NW of Tabcat, and I think just involve the stretch that is now 40. It has been years since I drove that section of 129, I usually just go up to Foothills Parkway and extend the pleasure for about 20 more minutes on my way home.