ATLANTA (January 13, 2016) | Sen. Ben Watson (R – Savannah) supports the new transportation projects on I-95 and I-16 near Savannah that were announced by Gov. Nathan Deal on Tuesday, January 12, 2016.
“These new initiatives will begin to correct past inefficiencies in the Savannah area that caused traffic congestion and major safety issues for drivers,” said Sen. Watson. “This is some of the most important legislation to impact Senate District 1 in 20 years.”
The projects include widening I-16 and reconstructing the interchange of I-95 and I-16, with the purpose of creating an easier passage for freight trucks carrying cargo to and from Savannah’s port. The reputation of I-16 as an unsafe roadway for drivers was also an influence for the changes. Although Gov. Deal has not announced a specific timeline for the construction, the projects are scheduled to be completed within the 10 years allowed by the plan.
In addition to these projects, Gov. Deal also allocated an additional $10 million to hire more state troopers to patrol areas in and around Savannah with high port-related traffic, including both I-16 and I-95.
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For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Gavriella Coffman, Communications Associate
gavriella.coffman@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028