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County details multi‑project improvements on Blue Jay, Effingham Parkway and McCall Road corridors
Summary
Officials described a program of eight Blue Jay Road projects (widening, shoulders, roundabouts), Effingham Parkway phases opening in 2026–2027, McCall Road widening and resurfacing, and federal bridge replacements on Stillwell and Long Bridge roads; several projects include roundabouts and safety upgrades.
Effingham County officials provided a consolidated update on several major road projects affecting District 4: a multi‑phase Blue Jay Road reconstruction, Effingham Parkway phases, McCall Road widening and resurfacing, and federally funded bridge replacements.
Blue Jay Road: The county official said eight projects make up the Blue Jay program. Work includes resurfacing, widening travel lanes to 12 feet with 2‑foot paved shoulders, and (in later phases) 6‑foot shoulders and full drainage redesigns. A single‑lane roundabout is planned at McCall/Blue Jay and a second roundabout at Sand Hill; a 4‑lane divided section is planned between Effingham Parkway and the new McCall roundabout to handle converging school and commuter traffic.
Effingham Parkway and McCall Road: Officials said Phase 1 of Effingham Parkway (Highway 30 to the crossroad near Blandford Elementary) is expected to open in April next year, with Phase 2 to Blue Jay following in July. McCall Road will be done in segments, including a section from the CSX railroad to Blandford and another from the 3‑way stop to Ralph Rock; work includes widening to 12‑foot lanes with 2‑foot shoulders and intersection improvements.
Federal bridge projects and regional connectors: The presenter noted two Federal Bridge Replacement projects — Stillwell Road and Long Bridge Road over Ebenezer Creek — with construction anticipated in 2027 and 2028. The county is coordinating with state and city partners on an overpass/roundabout connector near railroad tracks to provide an alternate east‑west route and relieve truck traffic on Highway 21.
Timing and design: Several Blue Jay components are under contract or in design, and the county expects most work to start this year and be completed within two years, though roundabouts and the larger intersection changes will take longer. The county emphasized core elements: wider lanes, thicker pavement where base failures exist, a full drainage redesign in later phases, and safety features such as turn lanes and roundabouts.
Ending: Officials said these projects are intended to relieve congestion, improve safety around schools and corridors, and provide truck‑capable pavements in designated areas to move heavy traffic off smaller roads.
