City plans McCall Road upgrades for safety and traffic management

McCall Road is set for significant upgrades in Effingham County, with plans to enhance safety and traffic flow through a two-phase project. The first phase, already awarded, will focus on the section from Ralph Ron North to the base of the road, while the second phase will extend from the CSX railway to Blandford, including a critical widening of the road.

The project will feature 12-foot lanes and 2-foot shoulders, aimed at improving safety for all drivers. Notably, the controversial rumble strips will be removed, addressing community concerns about their effectiveness. The upgrades are designed to accommodate heavier traffic, particularly from trucks, which have previously struggled with the narrow lanes.

In addition to the road improvements, intersection enhancements are planned at Courthouse Road and McCall, with a new alignment for Ralph Orange and Little McCall to improve connectivity. The county is also redesigning drainage systems to ensure proper water flow, addressing longstanding issues with water detention.

These developments reflect a proactive approach to managing increasing traffic and enhancing road safety in the area, with officials emphasizing the importance of these upgrades for the community's future.