The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on May 15 that essential road work will continue throughout Southeast Georgia from Saturday, May 16 through Friday, May 22. The department cautions motorists to reduce speed, pay attention, and watch for workers in construction zones as schedules are subject to change due to weather or other factors.
This advisory matters because ongoing maintenance and construction projects may cause delays and require detours across multiple counties. Motorists are advised to check real-time updates before traveling by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org, or using the Georgia 511 app.
Traffic interruptions include lane closures and detours on major interstates such as I-95, I-16, and I-516 in Chatham, Effingham, Camden, Bryan, McIntosh, Candler, Bulloch, Evans, Telfair and other counties. Specific projects range from bridge rehabilitation near the Savannah River Bridge in Chatham/Effingham Counties with nightly lane closures from Tuesday through Friday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., to resurfacing operations along SR17 in Effingham County running daily from April through June. Additional projects involve ramp improvements at exit ramps on I-95 Southbound at Highway 80 in Chatham County with continuous left shoulder closure.
Other notable work includes bridge replacements requiring road closures such as Lewis Frasier Road over Peacock Creek in Liberty County with a detour via US17 and US84; corrective asphalt work on US84/SR38 at Doctors Creek in Long County; installation of Intelligent Transportation System equipment along shoulders of I-16 across several counties; daily flagging operations for roundabout construction related to the Effingham Parkway Project; pavement marking upgrades; widening projects; concrete replacement at intersections; and utility work necessitating both day and night lane closures.
The Georgia Department of Transportation delivers transportation solutions that support economic development and benefit residents across the state while employing about 4,000 staff members with an operating budget over $4.5 billion according to the official website. The agency focuses on developing roads as well as supporting railways and public transit programs under guidance from the State Transportation Board while working closely with local governments and federal agencies.
According to its official statements: “Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads.” The department said it is committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation safety sustainability mobility.
