GDOT Planning Major Road Projects Across Georgia This Summer

It’s springtime in Georgia and summer is right around the corner – the time for lazy days, for cookouts and for fun.

It’s also the season for road construction.

The Georgia Dept of Transportation projects work will be going on all summer on Interstates and State Routes across the state.

G-DOT expects one of the busiest summer construction seasons Georgia has seen in years, with more than 470 active construction and maintenance projects along interstates and state routes across Georgia.

The biggest project in our area in Northeast Georgia is the continued work on the widening of SR17 from the Franklin County line to Toccoa.

While Georgia DOT is doing its part to limit impacts to the public, Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, is advising motorists to prepare for longer than normal traffic delays in construction areas.

McMurry said this summer’s construction and maintenance activities will ultimately save taxpayers millions of dollars by performing maintenance now to prevent major repairs later.

To keep you safe on the roads this summer, especially in construction areas, G-DOT is offering some safety tips.

G-DOT spokesperson Annalysce Baker said motorists should first access G-DOT’s 511 service before leaving the house.

“They can call 511, they can visit www.511ga.org or they can download the 511 app so they can see where there is construction happening and plan an alternate route if they need to,” she said. “

Baker said be flexible by taking alternate routes, public transportation where available or working from home.

“G-DOT always encourages motorists to take alternate routes,” she said. “It helps our environement and with traffic and congestion. Or ask your boss if you can telework this summer. That will also help keep a lot congestion off of the roads.”

You can find commute options in Georgia by going online to www.gacommuteoptions.com.

Many of us will be taking long trips over the summer months for vacation or long holiday weekends.

Baker said when you’re going to be on the Interstate or state highways, stay alert.

“When we have major holidays like Memorial Day we do suspend construction-related lane closures across the State, but we also want people to really stay focused on the road and eliminate major distractions so you arrive alive,” Baker said.

Additionally, Baker said watch out for GDOT crews when going through construction sites.

She said keep in mind that work zones are not always stationary. Mobile work zones include litter pickup, mowing and sweeping.