News Summary
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is moving forward with a significant widening project for Interstate 16, expanding it from two to three lanes in both directions. Covering a stretch between Interstate 95 and State Route 67, this project aims to improve safety and accommodate increasing traffic demands. Public engagement events are being held to gather community feedback, and GDOT has allocated $35 million for preliminary work, with total costs estimated at $511.8 million.
Statesboro, Georgia — The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has proposed a significant widening project for Interstate 16 (I-16) in response to increasing traffic demands. The project aims to expand I-16 from two to three lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions, covering a stretch between Interstate 95 and State Route 67. This construction will impact multiple counties, including Bulloch, Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham.
The project will involve the widening or replacement of a total of 20 bridges at 10 different locations along the I-16 corridor. It has been designed to address deteriorating pavement conditions and enhance safety for the growing number of vehicles utilizing the highway. Current traffic volumes range between 31,000 to 50,000 vehicles daily, with projections indicating an increase to between 52,000 to 99,000 vehicles per day by 2050.
In addition to improving traffic flow, the widening project is expected to facilitate the anticipated influx of traffic generated by major developments in the area, including the Hyundai Motor Group’s new Metaplant. To actively engage the community and gather feedback, GDOT is hosting Public Information Open House (PHOH) events where residents can share their thoughts and concerns about the proposed changes.
Public Engagement and Timeline
GDOT is currently soliciting public comments on the I-16 widening project, designated as P.I. 0020168 and 0020739. The comment period for the public will remain open until June 26, 2025. To gather insights, GDOT has scheduled the following Public Information Open House events:
- June 11, 2025, from 4-6 PM at Bulloch County Center for Agriculture, 151 Langston Chapel Rd., Statesboro.
- June 12, 2025, from 4-6 PM at Bloomingdale City Hall, 8 West U.S. Highway 80, Bloomingdale.
In addition to the in-person events, an online survey will be available to ensure broader community participation in the feedback process.
Project Funding and Costs
The state budget has allocated $35 million for preliminary engineering work related to the widening project for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. However, the overall construction costs for the project are estimated at $511.8 million, along with an additional $4 million earmarked for utility line relocations and possibly up to $6 million for right-of-way acquisitions.
This project is classified as a “design-build” initiative, a strategy aimed at expediting construction and completion timelines. GDOT has begun the environmental study process for the widening project, which commenced in 2024. The environmental study is expected to conclude by May 2026, with a project developer anticipated to be selected in the second quarter of 2026. If all goes according to plan, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Safety and Mobility Improvements
The existing pavement along I-16 has been reported to be in deteriorating condition, with some areas experiencing crash rates exceeding the state average. GDOT’s aims with the proposed widening initiative include enhancing safety and mobility for all users of the highway while also supporting regional growth along the corridor. As traffic continues to rise, comprehensive improvements to I-16 are necessary to ensure safe and efficient travel in southeast Georgia.
The widening of I-16 remains a top priority for GDOT as they work to address the current conditions of the roadway, accommodate future growth, and provide a reliable transportation network for the residents and businesses in the affected counties.
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Additional Resources
- Statesboro Herald: I-16 Widening Cost
- Wikipedia: Interstate 16
- WTOC: Public Information Open House
- Google Search: I-16 Widening Project
- WSAV: GDOT Seeking Public Feedback
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Highway
- Grice Connect: Interstate Closure Advisory
- Google News: Georgia Transportation News
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.
