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Interstate 16

Interstate 16 (I-16) is an east-west Interstate Highway spanning 165.44 miles (266.10 km) entirely within the U.S. state of Georgia.^[1] Its western terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 75 in downtown Macon, where it also marks the eastern end of State Route 540.^[2] The route proceeds southeastward through rural areas and smaller cities such as Dublin and Metter before reaching its eastern terminus approximately 2.28 miles east of the junction with Interstate 516 in Savannah.^[1] As a critical component of Georgia's interstate system, I-16 facilitates high-volume freight movement to the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest U.S. container ports, and supports contraflow operations for hurricane evacuations from coastal regions.^[3] The highway, designated as State Route 404 throughout its length, features four lanes for most of its extent, with ongoing widening projects aimed at accommodating increasing truck traffic and improving safety.^[4]^[5]

Route description

Western section: Macon to Dublin

Interstate 16 begins at a trumpet interchange with Interstate 75 and State Route 540 (Fall Line Freeway) just northwest of downtown Macon in Bibb County, marking milepost 0 for the route. This junction facilitates connections to Atlanta via I-75 northbound and local access to Macon via U.S. Route 23 south and U.S. Route 129 north at Exit 1A. The highway initially serves as an eastern bypass for Macon, crossing the Ocmulgee River and passing through suburban areas before transitioning to rural landscapes eastward.^[2]^[6] Entering Houston County, I-16 parallels U.S. Route 129 to the south while providing key access to Warner Robins, a city of approximately 80,000 residents and site of Robins Air Force Base, which employs over 20,000 civilians as of 2023. Exit 6 connects to U.S. Route 129 and State Route 11, directing traffic toward the base and downtown Warner Robins, while Exit 9 links to State Route 49 south toward Kathleen. The route maintains a four-lane divided profile throughout, with speed limits posted at 70 mph in rural segments.^[6]^[7] Proceeding into Twiggs County, I-16 traverses sparsely populated pine forests and farmland with minimal interchanges, including Exit 16 for State Route 358 near Elko. In Bleckley County, the highway clips the northern edge of the county, offering Exit 39 for State Route 26 and State Route 112 toward Cochran, the county seat with a population of about 4,000. This interchange supports local agriculture and timber industries dominant in central Georgia.^[2]^[7] Upon reaching Laurens County, I-16 encounters increased development near Dudley at Exit 42 (State Route 338) before approaching Dublin, the section's eastern endpoint and largest municipality with around 16,000 residents. Access to Dublin is via Exit 49 (State Route 257), Exit 51 (U.S. Route 319 north/U.S. Route 441 north), and Exit 54 (State Route 19 north to U.S. Route 80/U.S. Route 319 toward East Dublin). The route bypasses central Dublin to the south, crossing the Oconee River shortly after and entering Treutlen County beyond this segment.^[6]^[7]^[2]

Central section: Dublin to Statesboro

East of the Dublin area, Interstate 16 proceeds through rural portions of Laurens County into Treutlen and Emanuel counties, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain dominated by pine forests and agricultural fields typical of Georgia's inner coastal plain. The highway maintains a four-lane divided profile with limited access points, bypassing Soperton via exit 68 (GA 29/GA 87) and Swainsboro to the north via exit 78 (GA 56 to US 80).^[2]^[8] These interchanges serve local traffic to county seats and avoid congestion in the bypassed communities, which lie along parallel US 80.^[8] Continuing eastward, I-16 crosses Jenkins County with no interchanges before entering Candler County, where exit 99 (GA 23/GA 121) provides access to Metter approximately 2 miles south of the freeway. The route then traverses Evans and Bulloch counties, featuring additional rural exits such as 104 (GA 26 to Cobbtown), 111 (GA 80), and culminating at exit 116 (GA 67) for Statesboro, Brooklet, and points toward Fort Stewart military base.^[2] This segment, spanning roughly 62 miles, supports freight movement and evacuation routes, with infrastructure including drop-gate barricades at interchanges to facilitate contraflow operations during hurricanes from the Savannah area westward to Dublin.^[9]^[10] The central corridor remains largely undeveloped outside interchange vicinities, with design speeds of 70 mph and occasional wildlife crossings amid the forested median and shoulders. Traffic volumes increase modestly toward Bulloch County due to proximity to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and regional agriculture, though the freeway's alignment prioritizes directness over urban connectivity.^[2]^[8]

Eastern section: Statesboro to Savannah

East of the interchange with Georgia State Route 67 (exit 127) near Statesboro in Bulloch County, Interstate 16 proceeds eastward as a four-lane divided highway through rural landscapes of the coastal plain in Bryan County.^[2] This segment primarily supports freight movement toward the Port of Savannah, passing near Pembroke with limited interchanges including local roads like Arcola Road (exit 132).^[2] The terrain remains flat, with agriculture dominating the surrounding areas, and the route avoids major population centers until approaching Chatham County.^[11] At milepost 160 near Pooler, I-16 intersects Interstate 95 in a major cloverleaf interchange that connects coastal traffic to the broader interstate network northward to Jacksonville and southward to Brunswick. This junction handles significant truck volume, prompting ongoing Georgia Department of Transportation improvements including ramp reconstructions and added capacity lanes to enhance safety and flow as of 2025. Eastbound, I-16 then enters the Savannah metropolitan area, serving industrial zones in Garden City before reaching suburban exits. Further into Chatham County, exits provide access to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport via Chatham Parkway at exits 162 and 164, facilitating regional air travel connectivity.^[2] The highway transitions into an urban environment, with additional interchanges at Abercorn Street (exit 165) and a connection to Interstate 516 (exit 166), an auxiliary route looping into downtown Savannah.^[11] I-16 terminates at Montgomery Street (exit 167B) in historic downtown Savannah, approximately 40 miles from the Statesboro-area interchange, directly linking to the city's port infrastructure.^[11] The entire eastern segment from State Route 67 to Interstate 95, spanning 32.5 miles across Bulloch, Bryan, and Chatham counties, faces widening to six lanes—three per direction—due to forecasted tripling of daily traffic by 2050, with costs exceeding $500 million and involving bridge replacements.^[12] Additionally, I-16 functions as a designated hurricane evacuation corridor, enabling contraflow operations westward from Savannah to U.S. Route 441 in Dublin during storms, supported by median crossovers and gates.^[13] These features underscore its role in regional logistics and emergency response.^[13]

Key interchanges and auxiliary connections

Interstate 16's western terminus features a trumpet interchange with Interstate 75 in Macon, serving as a vital gateway from the Atlanta metropolitan area and connecting to the Fall Line Freeway (Georgia State Route 540). This junction handles significant freight and commuter traffic, with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) improvements completed in phases, including widening of I-75 from Hardeman Avenue to Pierce Avenue and I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek, along with ramp and bridge enhancements to address congestion and safety issues.^[14] At the eastern end in Savannah, I-16 terminates at a complex interchange with Interstate 95, forming one of Georgia's busiest freight corridors linking the Port of Savannah to inland routes. Ongoing GDOT 16@95 Improvement Projects include adding general-purpose lanes on I-16 between I-95 and nearby connections, bridge widenings, and ramp upgrades to improve capacity for truck traffic and hurricane evacuations.^[15]^[16] The sole auxiliary Interstate connected to I-16 is Interstate 516, a short spur in Chatham County that branches southeast from I-16 near the I-95 junction, running concurrently with SR 21 as the W. F. Lynes Parkway to provide truck bypass access toward the Savannah River ports and U.S. Highway 17. This route, part of the National Highway Freight Network, has seen GDOT safety enhancements such as clearing roadside overgrowth to improve driver visibility, with additional interchange upgrades tied to broader I-16 corridor expansions.^[17]^[18]^[15] Other significant interchanges along I-16 include partial cloverleafs and diamonds with major U.S. Routes, such as US 441/US 319 in Dublin (milepost 51) for central Georgia access and US 25/US 301 in Statesboro (milepost 116) linking to southern rural areas, as detailed in GDOT exit inventories; these facilitate agricultural and local commerce but carry lower volumes than the interstate termini.^[2]

History

Planning and designation (1950s)

The planning for what became Interstate 16 began in the context of postwar efforts to develop a national interstate highway network, with preliminary route concepts emerging from the 1944 Federal-Aid Highway Act, which designated a system of up to 40,000 miles of highways, and the 1947 joint state-federal map identifying potential corridors.^[19] In Georgia, state highway officials prioritized an east-west route connecting the interior to the coast, building on the existing U.S. Route 80 corridor—historically part of the early-20th-century Dixie Overland Highway—to link the anticipated Interstate 75 junction near Macon with Savannah's port facilities, aiming to enhance freight transport efficiency and regional economic integration.^[10] The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 formalized the Interstate Highway System with 90% federal funding, prompting Georgia to refine its proposals; the route for I-16 was selected for its direct alignment, bypassing smaller towns like Dublin and Statesboro to minimize congestion and maximize speed, as determined by the Georgia State Highway Department in coordination with the federal Bureau of Public Roads.^[20]^[10] This designation emphasized causal linkages between improved infrastructure and industrial growth, particularly supporting Savannah's role as a key export hub without relying on outdated two-lane roads prone to bottlenecks.^[10] By 1958, planning advanced to site-specific preparations, including land appraisals along West Broad Street in Savannah for the eastern terminus integration, reflecting early commitment to urban access while adhering to interstate design standards for controlled access and grade separation.^[21] The official numbering as Interstate 16 followed federal approval of state submissions in the late 1950s, positioning it among Georgia's core original interstates (alongside I-20, I-75, I-85, I-95, and I-285) for phased construction under the new funding mechanism.^[22] These decisions prioritized empirical traffic projections and port cargo volumes over local political pressures, ensuring the corridor's viability for long-haul trucking rather than short-term community preservation.^[10]

Initial construction and urban impacts (1960s-1970s)

Construction of Interstate 16 commenced in March 1963 with the initial 16.2-mile segment between Dublin and Rockledge in Laurens and Treutlen counties, marking the earliest phase of development aimed at linking central Georgia to the Port of Savannah.^[10]^[8] This rural stretch opened to traffic on October 11, 1966, providing the first operational freeway portion.^[10] Subsequent urban-adjacent segments followed rapidly, including a 28-mile section through the Savannah vicinity that opened on November 24, 1967, incorporating elevated flyover ramps into the city center.^[8] By 1968, the route reached completion in Macon, integrating with Interstate 75 at a major interchange.^[8] Further segments advanced through the late 1960s and 1970s, with the full 164.6-mile alignment from Macon to Savannah achieving operational status by 1978 after phased openings totaling twelve years of buildout.^[10] These expansions prioritized efficient goods transport from the expanding Port of Savannah to broader interstate networks via I-75, reflecting federal and state emphases on economic connectivity over local land use preservation during the era.^[10] Engineering adhered to evolving Interstate standards, such as 16-foot vertical clearances established in 1960, with urban interchanges spaced at least two miles apart to balance access and flow.^[22] In Savannah, the elevated terminus and flyover ramps constructed in the mid-1960s necessitated the demolition of Union Station—a key rail hub—and two adjacent city blocks, disrupting the West Broad Street corridor that served as the commercial heart of the city's Black and immigrant communities.^[23]^[24] This infrastructure severed neighborhood street grids, displaced residents and businesses, and erected physical barriers that fragmented historic districts, exacerbating socioeconomic divides in minority areas already targeted for urban renewal projects.^[25]^[26] The resulting elevated structure, completed by 1968, prioritized vehicular throughput to the port but contributed to long-term community disconnection and economic stagnation in affected zones.^[25] Macon experienced analogous disruptions at the I-16/I-75 interchange, built in the early 1960s through the Pleasant Hill neighborhood, which split the community and demolished structures in a predominantly Black residential area.^[27] This routing, completed by 1968, facilitated regional freight access but mirrored national patterns of interstate construction favoring efficiency at the expense of urban cohesion, leading to population outflows and heightened isolation for remaining residents.^[28] Despite these local costs, the corridor spurred 1970s industrial growth along I-16, drawing manufacturing and distribution hubs that boosted suburban development outside core city limits.^[10]^[29]

Completion and extensions (1970s-1990s)

The remaining segments of Interstate 16 between Macon and Savannah were constructed progressively throughout the 1970s, building on earlier openings in the 1960s that had established key portions near the endpoints.^[10] These mid-route sections addressed rural terrain challenges, including bridges over rivers and grading through forested areas, to connect fragmented freeway alignments.^[22] By the mid-decade, substantial progress linked Dublin eastward toward Statesboro, facilitating interim traffic relief for freight from central Georgia to coastal ports.^[8] A critical 12.5-mile segment between U.S. Route 221 (exit 78) and U.S. Route 1 (exit 90) opened to traffic on December 19, 1977, bridging gaps in Treutlen and Emanuel counties and enabling continuous travel for much of the route's length.^[11] The final 25.5-mile portion, spanning Emanuel, Candler, and Bulloch counties, was completed and opened on September 22, 1978, marking the full realization of I-16 from its western terminus at Interstate 75 in Macon to the Savannah urban area.^[8] ^[10] This opening finalized Georgia's original Interstate network, reducing travel time between Macon and Savannah from several hours on two-lane roads to under two hours on divided freeway.^[22] In the 1980s and 1990s, no major linear extensions were pursued for the mainline I-16, as the corridor's designated length of approximately 164 miles had been achieved.^[11] Efforts shifted to auxiliary improvements, such as enhanced interchanges and initial widening studies in high-growth areas near Savannah, though substantive expansions remained deferred until the 2000s.^[8] These phases emphasized integration with local roads and port access, supporting economic corridors without altering the highway's core footprint.^[10]

Engineering features

Design standards and construction materials

Interstate 16 adheres to the geometric and operational standards outlined in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) "A Policy on Design Standards—Interstate System," which mandates full control of access, divided roadways, and high design speeds to facilitate efficient long-distance travel.^[30]^[31] These criteria, enforced through federal funding requirements under the Interstate Highway System, specify a minimum of two 12-foot-wide through-traffic lanes per direction for initial construction, with provisions for expansion to four or more lanes based on projected traffic volumes.^[30] Paved shoulder widths follow a minimum of 10 feet on the outside and 4 feet on the inside, though rural segments of I-16 typically incorporate 10- to 12-foot outside shoulders to accommodate emergency stops and maintenance, while urban approaches near Macon and Savannah feature narrower inside shoulders to navigate right-of-way constraints.^[31] Design speeds target 70 mph in rural areas and 50-60 mph in urban zones, with horizontal and vertical alignments providing stopping sight distances exceeding 600 feet on high-speed sections, aligned with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) adoption of AASHTO interstate criteria.^[32] Right-of-way widths generally span 200 to 300 feet in rural stretches to allow for medians of at least 30 feet (unpaved) and future widening, though urban segments, such as the approach to Savannah, conform to narrower alignments of 150-200 feet due to pre-existing development and eminent domain limitations during phased construction from the 1960s onward.^[30] Bridge structures and interchanges incorporate reinforced concrete piers and abutments with steel girders, designed to Interstate loading standards (HS-20 or equivalent), ensuring a 50-year service life under heavy truck traffic volumes that have historically exceeded 10% of average daily traffic on freight corridors like I-16.^[33] GDOT specifications require positive drainage via crowned cross-sections and culverts sized for 50-year storm events, minimizing hydroplaning risks on the predominantly flat Coastal Plain terrain.^[34] Pavement construction employs flexible asphalt concrete surfacing over layered granular bases, as detailed in GDOT's Pavement Design Manual, which prioritizes hot-mix asphalt (HMA) for its cost-effectiveness and suitability to Georgia's subtropical climate and subgrade soils prone to expansion.^[35] Typical original cross-sections feature 2 inches of wearing surface asphalt (Type I or II mixes per GDOT Section 400), underlain by 4-6 inches of binder course and 8-12 inches of aggregate base on stabilized subgrade, engineered for an initial structural number of 4.0-5.0 to support 20-year design lives before resurfacing.^[35] Sub-base materials include crushed stone or sand-clay-gravel stabilized with cement or lime in expansive soil areas east of Macon, while shoulders in some segments utilize cement-treated base (CTB) for durability, as evidenced by later recycled concrete applications on I-16 near Savannah.^[36] Rigid concrete pavements are rare on I-16 mainline, reserved for high-volume urban ramps or recent widenings, reflecting GDOT's preference for asphalt's lower initial costs and ease of maintenance amid frequent resurfacing needs due to rutting from logging and port-related truck traffic.^[37]^[35]

Major bridges and interchanges

The western terminus of Interstate 16 features a directional-T interchange with Interstate 75 in Macon, spanning the Ocmulgee River and incorporating multiple bridges that facilitate the convergence of east-west and north-south traffic.^[38] This interchange, undergoing a $500 million reconstruction by the Georgia Department of Transportation, includes upgrades to 11 existing bridges and new structures such as a 1,600-foot Norfolk Southern Railroad overpass and a collector-distributor road bridge over the Ocmulgee River to enhance capacity, safety, and freight movement.^[38] Adjacent to the interchange, Interstate 16 crosses the Ocmulgee River directly via a multi-span bridge, which is subject to a separate $120.8 million rehabilitation project extending 1,500 feet east and west of the structure, including a temporary detour bridge over river overflow to maintain traffic during upgrades.^[39]^[40] In the eastern corridor near Savannah, Interstate 16 includes bridges over the Ogeechee River, with eastbound and westbound spans slated for replacement as part of a $522 million widening initiative from Interstate 95 to State Route 67, which also addresses six bridges at three locations including rail crossings.^[41] The highway's eastern terminus forms a complex interchange with Interstates 95 and 516, incorporating lane additions and bridge modifications to alleviate congestion and support port-related trucking, with recent closures for overpass work at Chatham Parkway.^[42] Other notable interchanges along the route, such as those with U.S. Route 441 in Dublin and U.S. Route 80 near Statesboro, serve regional traffic but lack the scale of interstate junctions; however, the overall corridor involves widening or replacing 20 bridges in ongoing projects to accommodate growth in industrial and logistics traffic.^[43]

Safety and maintenance considerations

Interstate 16 exhibits elevated crash risks compared to other Georgia interstates, primarily due to heavy commercial truck traffic facilitating freight to the Port of Savannah, which accounted for 64% of the 28 fatalities recorded in 2016 versus 16% on comparable routes like I-75.^[44] In 2015, the highway saw 28 fatalities overall, with clusters such as a June 2016 multi-vehicle incident claiming five lives, underscoring vulnerabilities from high-speed truck volumes and occasional congestion.^[45] The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) addresses these hazards through targeted interventions, including median cable barriers installed across segments to prevent cross-median crashes and native plantings for roadside stability.^[46] Major interchange reconstructions, such as at I-75 in Macon, eliminate weaving patterns that exacerbate collisions by separating local and through traffic.^[38] The ongoing 16@95 projects in Chatham County widen I-16 and reconfigure ramps to reduce congestion-induced incidents along this freight-heavy corridor.^[15]^[47] Maintenance efforts emphasize structural inspections and preservation, with most I-16 bridges rated in good to fair condition per biennial National Bridge Inventory evaluations; for instance, the eastbound span over the Ogeechee River in Bryan County received a "good" structural rating in recent assessments.^[48] GDOT conducts routine pavement resurfacing and drainage upgrades, though these necessitate temporary lane closures that heighten short-term risks in work zones.^[49] Statewide bridge repair backlogs, affecting 13,720 structures as of recent federal data, indirectly influence I-16 priorities amid competing demands.^[50]

Facilitation of port and industrial growth

Interstate 16 provides a direct, limited-access highway corridor from Macon to Savannah, serving as the principal trucking route for freight accessing the Port of Savannah, the fourth-busiest container port in the United States by volume. This linkage has enabled rapid inland distribution of imported goods and export of regional commodities, such as forest products and manufactured items, contributing to the port's transformation into a major hub since the highway's completion in the 1970s. Truck traffic on I-16 accounts for a substantial portion of the port's over 14,000 daily truck moves, with average daily volumes along the corridor ranging from 31,000 to 50,000 vehicles, much of it port-related freight that has driven Savannah's status as the fastest-growing East Coast port.^[29]^[51]^[12] The corridor's infrastructure has spurred industrial expansion by reducing transport times and costs to the port, attracting logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities along its path. For instance, I-16's connectivity facilitated the development of the Bryan County Mega-Site, adjacent to the highway and designated as Georgia's largest single economic development project, aimed at drawing heavy industry through proximity to port access. Overall, the highway has generated approximately 8,600 jobs in the I-16 corridor by capitalizing on Savannah's port proximity, supporting sectors like distribution and assembly that rely on just-in-time delivery.^[52]^[29] Georgia's deepwater ports, with Savannah predominant, generated $174 billion in sales and supported 651,000 jobs statewide in FY2024, equating to 1 in 9 Georgia jobs, with I-16's role in trucking amplifying this impact through efficient evacuation of containers to inland markets in Georgia and the Southeast. Ongoing expansions, including planned widening of I-16 to six lanes over 32 miles to handle projected volumes up to 99,000 vehicles daily, underscore the highway's continued necessity for sustaining port-driven industrial momentum amid rising throughput, such as the 9% year-over-year container volume increase to 534,037 TEUs in August 2025.^[53]^[12]^[54]

Traffic volume trends and capacity effects

Traffic volumes on Interstate 16 have exhibited steady growth since its completion, driven primarily by the expansion of the Port of Savannah and associated freight movement. Annual average daily traffic (AADT) data from the Georgia Department of Transportation indicate that the busiest segment, east of the I-75 junction in Bibb County near Macon, carried approximately 70,440 vehicles per day in 2003, while the eastern terminus area in Chatham County east of Exit 160 reached 51,060 vehicles per day that year.^[10] Growth rates varied by location, with compounded annual increases of up to 10.7% in Emanuel County between 1990 and 1995, and 8.1% near Savannah from 2000 to 2003, reflecting rising commercial and evacuee traffic.^[10] More recent counts show continued escalation, particularly on eastern segments linked to port activity. As of the mid-2010s, mainline AADT west of Gwinnett Street in Savannah hovered around 28,000 vehicles per day, with forecasts projecting increases to 26,560 by 2045 under no-build scenarios.^[55] A 2025 assessment of a key stretch reported daily volumes up to 50,000 vehicles, with projections indicating potential doubling absent capacity upgrades, attributable to surging container throughput at Savannah, which grew 12.5% year-over-year in early 2025 and has doubled warehouse space in the region over five years.^[43]^[56]^[57] Capacity constraints manifest as congestion at bottlenecks, notably the I-16/I-95 merge near Savannah, where heavy truck volumes from port-bound freight exceed efficient flow, causing delays and safety risks.^[58] As a predominantly four-lane facility, I-16's design accommodates peak capacities of roughly 80,000–100,000 vehicles per day across segments before level-of-service degradation, but eastern volumes approaching or surpassing 50,000 AADT strain this during rush hours and evacuations. Widening initiatives, including six-laning in select areas and interchange reconstructions, aim to add capacity for over 100,000 additional vehicles daily by addressing these effects.^[43]

Community and environmental effects

The construction of Interstate 16 through urban and rural areas in Georgia resulted in the physical division of neighborhoods, particularly in Savannah where terminal flyover ramps severed community connections and contributed to socioeconomic isolation in historic districts.^[26]^[59] In Macon, the I-16/I-75 interchange disrupted the Pleasant Hill neighborhood, affecting more than two dozen homes through relocation, rehabilitation, or demolition, with subsequent mitigation efforts including the creation of parks, pedestrian walkways, and historic documentation to preserve cultural fabric.^[60]^[28] The highway also spurred the development of bedroom communities in surrounding counties by enhancing inter-county mobility and bypassing smaller intermediary towns, altering local demographics and commercial patterns along the corridor.^[29] Traffic-related noise pollution has persistently impacted adjacent residential areas, as evidenced by complaints from the Savannah Quarters community in Pooler, where high-volume I-16 traffic limits outdoor activities and prompts ongoing Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) sound studies for potential barriers during widening projects.^[61] Environmentally, initial construction documented in the 1972 environmental impact statement addressed effects on local ecosystems, including potential disruptions to waterways and vegetation in the coastal plain.^[62] Maintenance activities have involved extensive median tree removal, with over 400 acres cleared between Macon and Savannah in 2017 to enhance sight lines and reduce wildlife hazards.^[63] Current and proposed expansions incorporate mitigation strategies to limit further ecological harm, such as erosion sediment control plans and avoidance of sensitive wetlands, as required under Georgia Environmental Protection Division guidelines for projects like the I-16 frontage road extensions.^[64]^[65] Widening initiatives emphasize minimizing sedimentation and water quality degradation through design features, reflecting GDOT's approach to balancing capacity needs with habitat preservation in a region prone to stormwater runoff from increased impervious surfaces.^[66]

Controversies

Displacement and urban division in Savannah

The construction of Interstate 16's terminus in downtown Savannah, culminating in the flyover ramp over West Broad Street (renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in 1990), occurred primarily in the 1960s and displaced numerous residents and businesses in historically Black neighborhoods. In 1963, the Savannah Union Station passenger terminal was demolished to accommodate an on-ramp, while dozens of buildings—including homes, commercial structures, and landmarks—were razed along West Broad and Montgomery Streets to clear the path for the elevated highway spur.^[24] ^[67] This development consumed two full city blocks and severed multiple adjacent streets, directly impacting the Frogtown enclave, a post-Civil War settlement that had evolved into a multicultural commercial corridor for Black families, Asian immigrants, and Jewish merchants.^[23] ^[67] The flyover ramp, which opened to traffic on November 14, 1968, physically bisected westside communities such as Carver Village, Cloverdale, and the broader environs of West Broad Street from the historic downtown core, creating a formidable barrier to pedestrian and vehicular connectivity.^[68] ^[69] Businesses integral to the area's economic vitality, including the Dunbar Theater and Savannah Pharmacy, were shuttered due to the disruptions, accelerating the decline of what had been Savannah's primary Black business district prior to the project.^[67] The highway's footprint exacerbated preexisting patterns of segregation by design, demolishing Black-owned properties and contributing to a 21% citywide population drop between 1960 and 1970, as white flight compounded the displacement effects.^[67] ^[70] Long-term urban division stemmed from the flyover's elevated design, which not only obstructed sightlines and access but also fostered socioeconomic isolation by prioritizing vehicular throughput over neighborhood cohesion.^[26] This infrastructure severed community networks, impeded local commerce, and hindered revitalization, with the structure later identified as a key factor in reduced pedestrian safety and mobility along the corridor.^[23] The project's alignment reflected federal interstate policies that often routed highways through minority districts, resulting in fragmented urban fabric that persists despite subsequent renewal attempts.^[71]

Debates over bridge preservation versus removal

The I-16 flyover at its western terminus in Savannah, Georgia, constructed between 1967 and the early 1970s as part of the highway's extension into the city, has sparked ongoing debates over whether to preserve the structure for continued vehicular efficiency or remove it to restore urban connectivity. The elevated section, spanning Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Montgomery Street, was built amid urban renewal projects that displaced predominantly Black neighborhoods such as Carver Village and Cloverdale, severing historic street grids and contributing to socioeconomic division.^[68]^[59] Advocates for removal argue that demolishing the flyover and its ramps would reclaim approximately eight acres of land, enhance pedestrian safety, and facilitate redevelopment along the corridor, aligning with city plans dating to a 1990 revitalization strategy for the MLK and Montgomery areas.^[23]^[72] A 2015 Interchange Modification Report by the Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission recommended reconfiguring the terminus, including flyover removal, citing improvements in traffic flow to downtown and safety by reducing congestion at the underutilized ramps, which handle lower volumes than anticipated given shifts in port-related trucking patterns.^[73] In December 2023, Savannah City Council approved an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for a feasibility study, bolstered by federal grants and support from figures like U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, emphasizing rectification of mid-20th-century infrastructure harms.^[68]^[74] Pro-removal coalitions, including local businesses and preservation groups focused on community fabric rather than the structure itself, highlight potential for mixed-use development and better integration with Savannah's historic Oglethorpe Plan grid.^[75] Opposition to removal centers on preserving the flyover's role in maintaining direct interstate access to I-95 and the Port of Savannah, arguing that redesign could exacerbate truck traffic bottlenecks on surface streets, increase commute times for regional freight, and impose high costs estimated in the hundreds of millions for demolition, land reclamation, and alternative routing.^[76] GDOT's involvement in the 2024 study underscores engineering concerns, including seismic retrofitting needs and ensuring no net loss in capacity for the port's growth, which relies on I-16 for inland connections; critics contend that while the flyover symbolizes past divisions, its functional preservation avoids unproven urban reconnection benefits amid rising port volumes exceeding 5 million TEUs annually.^[70] Discussions, reignited in the 2010s after decades of inertia, reflect tensions between historical redress and pragmatic infrastructure demands, with no final decision as of October 2024.^[77]

Eminent domain and cost-benefit critiques

The construction of Interstate 16 from the 1960s through the 1970s required the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to invoke eminent domain to condemn private land for the right-of-way, displacing numerous residents and businesses along the 164.6-mile route, particularly in urban segments near Macon and Savannah.^[22] In Department of Transportation v. Driggers (1979), GDOT condemned 18.969 acres in what is now Laurens County for I-16 expansion, offering $18,535 in compensation; a jury awarded $34,587 after considering evidence of consequential damages, such as the highway's placement just 55 feet from the landowners' residence, which diminished the property's value through noise, access disruption, and aesthetic impacts.^[78] The Georgia Court of Appeals upheld the verdict, affirming that juries may exceed expert valuations if supported by evidence, but the case exemplifies recurring landowner complaints that statutory compensation formulas undervalue non-market losses like relocation trauma and business interruption, often favoring public infrastructure over individual rights without sufficient negotiation.^[78] Ongoing widening projects, such as the 0.7-mile improvement under Bloomingdale Road in Chatham County (GDOT Project 0017515), anticipate further eminent domain takings, with GDOT retaining authority to seize property only after failed appraisals and negotiations.^[79] Critics, including property rights advocates, contend that Georgia's eminent domain statutes remain outdated, providing inadequate remedies for business damages and enabling government overreach, as seen in broader state cases where economic development justifications have expanded takings beyond traditional public uses like highways.^[80] Cost-benefit evaluations of I-16 have generally supported its construction and maintenance for freight efficiency, linking Savannah's port to central Georgia and generating economic returns through reduced shipping times; however, empirical data reveal limitations, with the corridor's real per capita personal income lagging behind state and national averages despite decades of operation.^[10] GDOT's analyses for specific upgrades, such as the I-16/I-95 interchange, cite positive ratios by quantifying user benefits like time savings and crash reductions, yet these models often underemphasize induced demand—where added capacity attracts more vehicles, perpetuating congestion—as evidenced by projections for the 32.5-mile widening from I-95 to SR 67, which forecast partial relief amid expected daily traffic doubling to 100,000 vehicles without fully resolving delays.^[12] Proposals to remove the I-16 flyover terminus in downtown Savannah underscore critiques that original benefits—primarily port access—have been overstated relative to social costs, including urban fragmentation and forgone development on 8 acres of reclaimed land.^[71] A 2014 study estimated removal would enable street grid restoration, affordable housing, and tax revenue growth by eliminating the barrier over Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, arguing that rerouted traffic via alternatives like I-95 and surface roads would impose minimal disruption while yielding net economic gains through neighborhood revitalization.^[71]^[81] Such analyses, funded partly by federal Reconnecting Communities grants totaling $1.8 million by 2024, prioritize causal links between highway removal and equity outcomes over sustained freight throughput, though GDOT maintains the route's indispensability for port-related GDP contributions exceeding $50 billion annually statewide.^[82] Broader highway research corroborates skepticism, finding typical projects deliver only 83% of projected benefits when land value externalities and maintenance escalations are factored, with costs frequently ballooning 17% beyond estimates.^[83]

Ongoing and proposed improvements

Recent interchange upgrades (2010s-2020s)

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) undertook significant reconstruction of the I-16/I-75 interchange in Macon-Bibb County, adding general-purpose lanes to I-16 eastbound and westbound, widening shoulders, and constructing additional on- and off-ramps to address congestion and safety issues from the original 1960s design.^[38] This project also encompassed widening I-75 from Hardeman Avenue to Pierce Avenue and extending I-16 improvements eastward to Walnut Creek, with phases including reconstruction of 4.588 miles of I-16/Georgia 404.^[84] Construction phases advanced through the 2010s into the 2020s, with ongoing work reported in 2023 lacking a firm completion date but projected around 2030 by GDOT estimates.^[85] Further east in Bryan County, GDOT initiated upgrades to the US 280/I-16 interchange via a design-build contract awarded in the third quarter of 2023, with construction commencing in the second quarter of 2024 to enhance access for industrial developments including the Hyundai megasite.^[86] Improvements included widening US 280, installing roundabouts at I-16 ramps and intersections like Oracal Parkway and Dillon Drive, constructing a new frontage road parallel to I-16, and building a relocated interchange at Old Cuyler Road, approved by federal agencies in August 2024.^[87] Traffic shifts and lane closures facilitated these enhancements, aimed at improving mobility and safety amid regional growth.^[88] Near Savannah, the 16@95 Improvement Projects targeted the I-16/I-95 interchange, incorporating lane additions, bridge reconstructions, and turbine ramp openings to alleviate bottlenecks in a key freight corridor.^[15] These efforts shifted I-95 northbound to final configurations by August 2025 and advanced toward substantial completion.^[89] Concurrently, upgrades at the I-16/I-516 interchange involved widening I-16 between I-95 and I-516, bridge replacements over local roads like Tremont Road, and ramp enhancements, with substantial completion targeted for the third quarter of 2025 and final westbound segments opening by year's end pending punch-list items.^[90]^[91] These projects collectively responded to rising traffic volumes, with lane closures supporting beam placements and resurfacing through late 2025.^[49]

Widening projects and timelines

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has undertaken several widening initiatives along Interstate 16 (I-16) to address increasing traffic volumes, particularly freight related to the Port of Savannah. One key project involves widening I-16 from two to three lanes in each direction between the I-95 interchange and I-516 in Chatham County, as part of the broader I-16 at I-95 Improvement Projects.^[92] This segment includes reconstruction of the I-95 interchange with partial turbine ramps replacing loop ramps, addition of a connecting lane on I-95 northbound, installation of intelligent transportation systems, and rehabilitation or construction of 11 bridges.^[92] Construction began in the first quarter of 2020, with substantial completion anticipated in late fourth quarter 2025; the third lane on I-16 opened between I-95 and Chatham Parkway in July 2025.^[92] A larger proposed widening project targets approximately 32 miles of I-16 from I-95 to State Route 67 in Bulloch, Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham counties, adding one lane per direction to reach three lanes eastbound and westbound.^[93] This initiative includes replacing six bridges at three locations (over the Georgia Central Railway, Ogeechee River, and Ogeechee River overflow) and widening others, with no anticipated right-of-way acquisitions.^[41] Environmental and technical studies are ongoing from 2024 to 2026, followed by design-build team selection in the second quarter of 2026 and construction starting in 2027; full completion is projected around 2030, pending funding and approvals.^[41] The estimated cost exceeds $500 million, funded by the state.^[12] At the western end, the I-16/I-75 interchange project in Macon-Bibb County includes widening I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek, alongside reconstruction of I-75 segments, addition of interstate lanes, 11 bridge upgrades, and local intersection improvements.^[38] This multi-phase effort, with a total investment of $500 million, began with Phase 1 under a $70 million contract, and Phases 4 and 5 were awarded for $231 million; construction remains active across phases to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and improve freight access.^[38] Smaller-scale widenings, such as a 0.7-mile section under Bloomingdale Road/Little Neck Road in Chatham County, support these efforts but lack detailed public timelines.^[79] These projects collectively aim to boost capacity amid port-driven growth, though delays from environmental reviews and funding could extend timelines.^[94]

Long-term capacity enhancements and challenges

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has outlined long-term capacity enhancements for Interstate 16 (I-16) primarily through targeted widening and interchange upgrades to accommodate projected freight and passenger traffic growth tied to the Port of Savannah's expansion. A major initiative involves widening 32.5 miles of I-16 from two to three lanes in each direction between Georgia State Route 67 and I-95, at an estimated cost of $522 million, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and funded entirely by the state.^[66]^[12] This expansion addresses current average daily traffic volumes of 31,000 to 50,000 vehicles, forecasted to reach 52,000 to 99,000 by future horizons under no-build scenarios, enhancing evacuation capabilities during hurricanes and supporting industrial logistics.^[12]^[43] Complementary efforts include the 16@95 Improvement Projects at the I-16/I-95 interchange, one of Georgia's busiest freight corridors, which incorporate lane additions, bridge reconstructions, and safety enhancements to improve flow for heavy truck volumes linked to port activities.^[15] Similarly, the I-16/I-75 interchange reconstruction in Macon adds auxiliary lanes, wider shoulders, and ramp expansions to mitigate bottlenecks for regional commerce.^[38] These measures prioritize operational efficiency over dedicated truck lanes, as GDOT's traffic analyses concluded that general-purpose widening suffices for demand while reducing environmental disruption and costs.^[66] Persistent challenges include escalating construction costs exceeding $500 million for key segments, potential delays from bridge replacements (over 20 structures affected in the I-16 widening), and disruptions like lane closures that could extend commuter travel times amid port-driven freight surges.^[12]^[95] Rapid regional industrialization risks outpacing these enhancements, with unaddressed segments east of Pooler potentially facing chronic congestion as traffic volumes approach double current levels without further interventions.^[43] Environmental constraints, including wetland mitigation and overpass alignments, further complicate timelines, though state prioritization of freight corridors underscores I-16's role in sustaining Georgia's logistics economy.^[15]

References

[1]
[PDF] State Route No Start Point End Point Length (Miles) GA I16 I75 2.28 ...
Length. (Miles). GA. I16. I75. 2.28 Miles East of I516. 165.44. GA. I185. I85. Columbus, GA. 48.39. GA. I20. AL/GA Line. GA/SC Line. 201.69. GA.
[2]
[PDF] I-16.pdf
To Atlanta, GA. To Valdosta, GA. & Lake City, FL. 75. 75. & Chattanooga, TN. 165 ... To Macon- 22. 1B. 22. To US-129 & Milledgeville. To Macon- 11 87. 80. 2. 11.
[3]
[PDF] June 11 and 12, 2025 Thank you for attending the Public Information ...
Jun 5, 2025 · Interstate 16 is an important, heavily traveled, east-west link in Georgia's interstate highway system, is part of the Strategic Highway ...
[4]
[PDF] Understanding Route IDs - Georgia Department of Transportation
Jun 11, 2024 · Interstate 16 (SR-404 & SR-404 SP). Chatham. SR-404 (I-16). Interstate 75/85 Connector (SR-401 & SR-403). Fulton. SR-403 (I-75). Interstate 985 ...
[5]
When will I-16 widening be finished? Maybe in 2030, says GDOT ...
Jun 12, 2025 · If construction starts sometime in 2027 as predicted, the Georgia Department of Transportation's widening of Interstate 16 to six lanes for ...
[6]
Interstate 16 East - Macon to Dublin Georgia - AARoads
Jun 9, 2021 · U.S. 23 turns east nearby onto Emery Highway, combining with U.S. 80 and U.S. 129 Alternate to Lakeside before dropping south to Bullard. SR 49 ...
[7]
All Exits along I-16 in Georgia - Eastbound | iExit Interstate Exit Guide
Macon, Georgia. Nothing detected here · EXIT. 1A. U.S. 23 S; U.S. 129 N. Macon ... East Dublin, Georgia. Automotive · EXIT. 67. GA-29; Superton; Vidalia. Soperton ...
[8]
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[9]
GA: I-16 - Federal Highway Administration
No information is available for this page. · Learn whyMissing: key junctions
[10]
[PDF] Economic Development History of Interstate 16 in Georgia [1]
Nov 3, 2008 · I-16 stretches 166.81 miles from the port city of Savannah to its western terminus at I-75 in Macon. It is officially designated as the James ...
[11]
Interstate 16
Interstate 16 connects Macon and Savannah, joining Atlanta via Interstate 95 with the Georgia Golden Isles and the ports at Savannah.Missing: length endpoints
[12]
Widening I-16 to six lanes from Highway 67 to I-95 expected to cost ...
May 30, 2025 · The state has a plan to widen I-16 to six lanes – three in each direction – over the 32.5-mile stretch. This will also require widening or replacing 20 bridges.Missing: Dublin | Show results with:Dublin
[13]
Hurricane Safety & Evacuation Routes in Georgia - GDOT
All I-16 lanes will allow only westbound traffic from Savannah to U.S. 441 in Dublin, a distance of 125 miles. Paved Median Crossovers. To make sure the contra- ...
[14]
[PDF] Georgia DOT Breaks Ground on I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement ...
improvements to approximately 2.5 miles of I-75 from Hardeman Ave. to Pierce Ave. and almost. 3 miles of I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek. For information about ...
[15]
[PDF] 16@95 Improvement Projects - Georgia Department of Transportation
Sep 18, 2025 · The 16@95 projects improve traffic flow and safety by widening I-16, reconstructing the I-16/I-95 interchange, and adding connecting lanes.
[16]
https://www.dot.ga.gov/applications/geopi/Pages/Dashboard.aspx?ProjectId=0012757
[17]
National Highway Freight Network Map and Tables for Georgia, 2022
Table of National Highway Freight Network Routes, 2022 ; I516. GA26R. GA25P. I516 from GA26R to GA25P ; I75. FL/GA Line. I475. I75 from FL/GA Line to I475.
[18]
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[19]
Part I - History | FHWA - Department of Transportation
Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1944 -- called for designation of a National System of Interstate Highways up to 40,000 miles. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 -- ...
[20]
National Interstate and Defense Highways Act (1956)
Feb 8, 2022 · To amend and supplement the Federal-Aid Road Act approved July 11, 1916, to authorize appropriations for continuing the construction of highways ...<|separator|>
[21]
https://dlg.usg.edu/records?collection_record_id=gsg_3205-040
[22]
Maintenance
**Summary:**
[23]
What I-16 Ramp Removal Study means for Savannah - WSAV-TV
Dec 15, 2023 · It wiped out entire neighborhoods and displaced hundreds of African-American educators, doctors, ministers, dentists and those in public service ...
[24]
Union Station - savannah - SEGREGATION BY DESIGN
Savannah Union Station before-and-after it was demolished for construction of I-16 and “urban renewal” in the 1960s. Before the station was ...
[25]
Remembering Black Savannah's West Broad Street Corridor
Dec 24, 2018 · When Interstate 16 was completed in 1968, the highway disconnected the neighborhood's street grid and quickly became an obstacle for additional ...
[26]
Historic chance to remove highway barrier, reconnect community
Nov 22, 2022 · The terminus of I-16 cuts into the historic core of Savannah, and removal of a flyover would help to heal the wounds of 1960s destruction in a minority and ...
[27]
Georgia I-16/I-75 Interchange Construction | Car Accident Lawyer
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[28]
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But the construction of Interstate 75 in the 1960s divided the neighborhood. Later, when the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) needed to ...
[29]
Project: Interstate 16 - View Case Study | AASHTO
Interstate 16 is a four-lane, east-west highway in Georgia, stretching 170 miles from the port city of Savannah to its western terminus at Macon.
[30]
[PDF] AASHTO A Policy on Design Standards - Interstate System
Interstate highways shall have a minimum of two through-traffic lanes for each direction of travel. For new location projects, the number of lanes provided ...
[31]
A Policy On Design Standards—Interstate System
Standards for Interstate Highways in the United States are defined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in the ...
[32]
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Sep 4, 2025 · Policy on Design Standards – Interstate System” criteria as the standard for Stopping Sight. Distance for roadways in Georgia. A decision to ...
[33]
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Feb 12, 2019 · The regulation revisions include referencing current versions of: A Policy on Design Standards - Interstate System, AASHTO, 2016; AASHTO LRFD ...
[34]
[PDF] Standard Specifications Construction of Transportation Systems
Definition and Terms. 101.15 Completion Date. The ...
[35]
[PDF] Pavement Design Manual - Georgia Department of Transportation
Feb 5, 2025 · Flexible Pavement – Constructed of several thicknesses of asphalt or bituminous concrete layers overlying a base of granular material on a ...
[36]
[PDF] Recycled Concrete Used for Shoulder Paving on Interstate 16 Near ...
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) chose CTB with cement because they wanted a strong base, but they still wanted a separator between the CTB and ...
[37]
[PDF] study of temporal pavement cracking in 3d to determine optimal time ...
Construction of these three one- mile sections on I-16, under the same contract with the same pavement design, displayed very different distress behavior. The ...<|separator|>
[38]
I-16/I-75 Interchange
This project will improve I-16 and I-75 in the project area by constructing additional interstate lanes, wider shoulder lanes and additional on- and off-ramps.Missing: Dublin Statesboro
[39]
I-16 Bridge over Ocmulgee River - Macon MPO
0014897 – I-16 Bridge over Ocmulgee River ; Priority. 13 ; Reflected in GDOT Schedule. Yes ; Total Budget. $120,779,705 ; Schedule Status. Underway (completion ≤ 10 ...
[40]
GeoPI Project Information - Georgia Department of Transportation
I-16 EB & WB @ Ocmulgee River Overflow. The project extends approximately 1500 feet both east and west from the center of the existing bridge. The proposed ...
[41]
None
### Summary of I-16 Widening Project (I-95 to SR 67)
[42]
GeoPI Project Information - Georgia Department of Transportation
The I-16 improvements will include the addition of one general-purpose lane along both I-16 eastbound and I-16 westbound between I-95 and I-516. Widening for ...
[43]
Biggest I-16 widening in years to ease growth by 2027 - WSAV-TV
Oct 16, 2025 · The $522 million project will add a third lane in each direction along a 32.5-mile stretch. This will span from I-95 in Chatham County to State ...Missing: completion | Show results with:completion
[44]
Deadly route: 166 miles of danger - 11Alive.com
Nov 9, 2016 · Of the 28 people who were killed on I-16, more than half – 64 percent – involved big rigs. That's compared to 16 percent of the crashes on I-75.
[45]
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Rating 5.0 (454) Mar 26, 2023 · In 2015, there were twenty-eight fatalities on I-16 alone. In June 2016, there were five fatalities in one automobile accident. Later this year, ...
[46]
I-16 cleared for safety - Bluffton Today
about 465 acres — was part of several Georgia Department of Transportation safety enhancement projects for the roadway.
[47]
GDOT nearing completion of 16@95 Improvement Projects - WSAV-TV
Aug 4, 2025 · The projects have been underway for years to enhance safety by reconstructing the interchange and widening I-16 to relieve traffic congestion.
[48]
I-16 EBL over OGEECHEE RIVER Bryan County, Georgia Bridge ...
Good condition · Meets minimum tolerable limits · Needs repair or corrective action · Closed · Report not available ...
[49]
https://allongeorgia.com/bulloch-public-safety/gdot-traffic-impacts-for-the-i-16-at-i-95-improvement-projects-through-november-1/
[50]
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The state has identified needed repairs on 13,720 bridges. This compares to 13,720 bridges that needed work in 2021. Over the life of the IIJA, Georgia will ...
[51]
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[52]
[PDF] UPDATE 2024 - Georgia Department of Transportation
The US 280, I-16 Frontage, and Old Cuyler Road Interchange Improvement Project are Georgia DOT specific and are separate endeavors from the Bryan County Mega- ...Missing: key junctions<|separator|>
[53]
Economic Impact - Georgia Ports Authority
Georgia's ports created 651K jobs, $174B in sales, $77B in GDP, $43B in income, and $10B in federal taxes in FY2024, accounting for 1 in 9 jobs.
[54]
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[55]
[PDF] I-16 INTERCHANGE MODIFICATION REPORT P.I. No. 001744
Dec 4, 2015 · 2008 Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) I-16. Terminus/MLK Jr. Boulevard Flyover Analysis and. Concept Development Study. The purpose ...
[56]
Savannah fastest growing port on U.S. East Coast
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[57]
2022 Global Seaport Review: Savannah, Georgia | CBRE
The port's unprecedented container volume growth has fueled the region's expanding warehouse market, which has doubled in size over the last five years.
[58]
The Worst Trucking Bottlenecks in Georgia - McArthur Law Firm
Savannah – I-95/ I-16 Merge This bottleneck often experiences congestion due to heavy truck traffic, leading to significant delays and potential safety hazards ...
[59]
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Mar 21, 2024 · The removal of the I-16 flyover has long been a priority for downtown revitalization, with advocacy groups and stakeholders championing the ...
[60]
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More than two dozen homes were impacted: most were relocated within the neighborhood and rehabilitated in their new locations, others were demolished and ...
[61]
ASKED & ANSWERED: Will Savannah Quarters get a sound barrier ...
Oct 8, 2025 · Traffic noise coming from I-16 is causing an uproar in Pooler's Savannah Quarters gated community. “Nobody is outside,” said Savannah Quarters ...
[62]
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I-16-1 construction from I-75 in Macon to I95 in Savannah : environmental impact statement. ; Published: 1972. ; Note: F available only in microfiche ; Physical ...
[63]
Have you traveled I-16 lately and wondered where the trees went?
Jul 17, 2017 · Since spring, more than 400 acres of trees have been removed from the Interstate 16 median between Macon and Savannah.Missing: environmental effects
[64]
[PDF] ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PLAN
The project would construct a new location, diamond interchange at I-16 and Old Cuyler Road to the southeast of the existing CR 11/Jernigan Road overpass in ...
[65]
[PDF] I-16 Frontage Road from US 280 / SR 30 to near CR 11 / Jernigan ...
Jun 8, 2023 · ... construction materials off the existing roadway. The MMJV/ICE Team does not propose to design and construct P.I. No. 0019452 materially ...Missing: highway | Show results with:highway
[66]
GDOT will not build designated truck path for I-16 widening project
Oct 15, 2025 · The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to widen a 32.5-mile stretch of I-16 from two to three lanes. This $522 million project is ...
[67]
Old West Broad Street - savannah - SEGREGATION BY DESIGN
Sep 6, 2024 · West Broad Street, once the commercial core of Savannah's Black and immigrant community, before-and-after construction of the “I-16 Flyover,” an ...
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Savannah I-16 flyover removal, MLK Blvd. redevelopment under ...
Carver Village and Cloverdale among them — on Savannah's westside. The flyover itself tore right ...
[69]
I-16 flyover removal project enters new phase
Apr 27, 2014 · "The construction here changed neighborhoods drastically," said native Savannahian Richard Shinhoster, owner of The Diaspora Marketplace on 510 ...
[70]
GDOT to study potential removal of Savannah's I-16 flyover from ...
Jan 1, 2024 · When built in the 1960s, the state demolished many Black-owned businesses and homes on and near West Broad Street (later renamed Martin Luther ...
[71]
[PDF] I-16 Terminus/MLK Jr. Blvd. Flyover Analysis & Concept ...
... I-16 eastbound and westbound ramps would have a 40 MPH design speed immediately west of MLK Jr. Blvd. These ramps would meet current speed design standards for.
[72]
[PDF] I-16 Exit Ramp Removal Study
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[73]
Interstate flyover that divides Savannah is on chopping block
Jun 25, 2024 · The flyover is part of the elevated terminus of I-16, completed in the late 1960s to connect Savannah to Macon. Drivers enter the highway ...
[74]
Savannah native Sen. Warnock pushes for removal of I-16 flyover
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[75]
Momentum Building for Savannah's I-16 Flyover to Be Demolished
Jun 26, 2024 · The flyover in question is part of the elevated terminus of Interstate 16, completed in the late 1960s to connect Savannah to Macon.<|separator|>
[76]
Savannah moves closer to demolishing I-16 flyover - WJCL
Oct 14, 2024 · The primary goal of removing the I-16 flyover is to enhance access to downtown Savannah.
[77]
Dawers: Long history, bright future in drive for I-16 flyover removal
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DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION v. Driggers :: 1979 :: Court of ...
Justia › U.S. Law › Case Law › Georgia Case Law › Court of Appeals of Georgia Decisions › 1979 › DEPT. ... (I-16). The Department of Transportation ... Eminent ...
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[80]
Georgia must reform eminent domain laws to protect local businesses
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[81]
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[82]
Savannah: $1.8 million secured to remove I-16 flyover - WJCL
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[83]
Highway costs outweigh benefits, especially when land value is ...
Aug 19, 2024 · A new study finds that economically, these projects usually fall short by about 17% of their projected benefits, and costs are significantly higher when land ...
[84]
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The I-16/I-75 Improvement Project includes the widening and reconstruction of I-75 from Hardeman Avenue to Pierce Avenue and I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek.
[85]
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Aug 4, 2023 · A GDOT spokesperson told The Telegraph in 2021 that work on the interchange was likely to be completed by 2030. More recently, GDOT spokesperson ...
[86]
[PDF] US 280, I-16 Frontage, and Old Cuyler Road Interchange ...
What are the Projects? The projects will provide more efficient access to the new Bryan County. Mega-site development and the surrounding area. The Georgia DOT.
[87]
Notice of Final Federal Agency Action on Proposed Interchange in ...
Aug 6, 2024 · ... Interchange Project located in Bryan County, Georgia. The Selected Alternative will construct a new interchange along I-16 at Old Cuyler Road.<|separator|>
[88]
Traffic shift advisory for US 280 widening project - Bryan County News
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[89]
I-16/I-95 improvement project nears completion with new traffic ...
Aug 20, 2025 · Crews working on the 16@95 Improvement Projects have shifted I-95 northbound traffic to its final configuration, with connecting lanes ...
[90]
I-16/I-516 improvement projects advance toward completion
Jun 27, 2025 · The substantial completion date for these projects is anticipated in Q3 2025, with final acceptance by Georgia Department of Transportation ( ...
[91]
I-16 from just past Chatham Parkway to I-516 in its final configuration
Sep 29, 2025 · The area between I-516 and Chatham Parkway westbound should be open by the end of this year, pending the final work over Tremont Road, according ...
[92]
None
### Summary of I-16 Improvements in I-16 at I-95 Projects
[93]
I-16 Widening - 0020168
The project will widen I-16 from two to three lanes eastbound and westbound between I-95 and State Route 67 in Bulloch, Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham counties.
[94]
When will I-16 widening be finished? Maybe in 2030 - Coastal Courier
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[95]
Shipping Delays Expected for Georgia's I-16 Widening Project
The extended construction zone poses several challenges for daily commuters. Lane closures and traffic rerouting are likely to cause increased travel times and ...