News Summary
The city of Savannah is moving forward with Project DeRenne, a critical roadway overhaul aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. This ambitious plan was initiated in 2008 and involves a five-phase approach, including environmental clearances and preliminary traffic studies. With escalating vehicle volumes on Derenne Avenue, the project, costing nearly $100 million, aspires to enhance connectivity and accessibility throughout the city. A shorter-term project will begin soon to address immediate traffic concerns, while community meetings will engage stakeholders in the planning process.
Savannah’s ‘Project DeRenne’ Update: A Massive Road Overhaul Nearly 20 Years in the Making
The city of Savannah is advancing on Project DeRenne, a pivotal roadway overhaul that has been under development since 2008. This significantly ambitious project, with an estimated cost nearing $100 million, seeks to enhance the vital roadway that connects Savannah’s hospitals, businesses, and neighborhoods. The project is currently in its early phases, which could ultimately take several years to complete.
Currently, 63,000 vehicles traverse Derenne Avenue daily, making it essential to improve the existing road infrastructure to better manage this volume. The project is designed to create safer and more efficient traffic conditions, as the current lanes are insufficient to handle the present demand.
Phased Approach to Improvement
Project DeRenne is structured as a comprehensive five-phase plan, all focused on improving traffic flow and safety. The city is especially vigilant concerning the complex requirements for environmental clearance, which are integral to the project’s progression. Initially anticipated to be completed by 2021, the environmental clearance process has been delayed and is now expected to wrap up by 2029, pushing the hopeful construction start date to 2033.
The first phase of the project will feature a traffic study that has identified a significant amount of the traffic on Derenne as en route to Hunter Army Airfield. As part of this phase, an overpass is envisioned to redirect traffic effectively away from Derenne and toward the Army airfield.
Short-Term Solutions and Upcoming Meetings
In the interim, while awaiting the comprehensive environmental approvals, the city plans to initiate a smaller, short-term project that is set to begin next summer. This immediate plan aims to improve traffic flow and safety by expanding lanes and incorporating designated turning lanes, providing temporary relief to the congested roadway.
The city of Savannah will host a series of meetings to discuss Project DeRenne, allowing residents and stakeholders to engage in the planning process leading up to the start of construction. These meetings will serve as a platform for community feedback and provide updates on the timeline and progress of the project.
The Importance of Connectivity
Ultimately, Project DeRenne aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility across Savannah, benefiting residents and visitors alike. The comprehensive enhancements being undertaken reflect a long-term commitment to improving the transportation infrastructure within the city, ensuring it meets the current and future needs of the community.
As efforts continue to shape the future of Derenne Avenue, the city remains focused on navigating the complexities of road construction while gearing up for improvements that promise to provide a safer and more reliable driving experience in Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: City Officials Update on Project DeRenne
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Savannah Magazine: Best of Savannah Homes 2025
- Google Search: Savannah Infrastructure Projects
- Savannah Business Journal: Edge Solutions Graduates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
