SAVANNAH, GA — The
Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) recently celebrated the start of construction for the 16@95 Improvement Projects. In accordance with social distancing practices, instead of a typical in-person groundbreaking ceremony, Georgia DOT produced a video to celebrate this occasion.
The projects will improve traffic flow and enhance safety along I-16 and I-95, one of Georgia’s busiest freight corridors as well as the gateway to Georgia’s growing port in Savannah. They serve as one of the first projects from the Major Mobility Investment Program portfolio, the largest investment in roadway mobility improvements in the state’s history. Construction officially began in early 2020 with tree clearing and landscape preparation. The first equipment was brought on site in May, and the project is anticipated to complete in 2022.
16@95 Improvement Projects Overview
The I-16/I-95 Interchange reconstruction will replace the existing loop ramps located on the west side of I-95 with new turbine configured ramps. This will be the first partial-turbine interchange in the state of Georgia. The projects will also reconstruct bridges, construct collector-distributor lanes, build a two-lane, emergency-use median crossover, install Intelligent Transportation System technologies such as cameras and changeable message signs, and add new interchange lighting.
The department will utilize an innovative delivery method through design-build, which accelerates construction and proves beneficial for Georgians by reducing construction times, minimizing travel impacts as much as possible, and maximizing the use of resources and the project budget. Georgia DOT has selected the design-build team, Savannah Mobility Contractors JV, that will design and construct the project using the expedited process.
Benefits of the Projects
The 16@95 Improvement Projects are imperative for the Savannah region as they will provide infrastructure enhancements to the interchange at I-16 and I-95 and the I-16 corridor. This project will prove impactful in aiding the area’s economic growth leading to more job opportunities while fueling Savannah’s tourism market. These projects will strengthen and protect the city’s tourism market by enhancing mobility, easing traffic congestion, and improving safety in the area.
