GDOT briefs Savannah council on I‑16/I‑95 widening, timeline and public outreach

GDOT officials briefed the Savannah City Council on Oct. 24 on the I‑16 at I‑95 interchange and widening project, describing it as part of the state Major Mobility Investment Program and outlining a multi‑year timeline and public outreach plan.

Project Principal Ron Nelson and Project Manager Quinton Alberto told council the work will include interchange changes, lane widening and traffic‑management plans. They said the project is part of a larger MMIP effort intended to accelerate priority mobility projects statewide and that the team will provide public information through the city’s cable channel and a project hotline (912‑480‑9625) and website.

Councilors asked whether the interchange work included a continuation onto White Bluff Avenue; staff answered that the White Bluff continuation is not part of the current interchange scope. Alderman Brian Foster asked specifically about lighting at the I‑16/I‑95 interchange. City staff said a maintenance agreement is in place and that permanent lighting cannot be placed at the interchange until the GDOT project is complete.

GDOT outlined a project timeline spanning work and planning phases through 2022 and emphasized lane‑closure limitations and emergency‑management coordination. The presenters provided contact information for community questions and asked the city to help distribute outreach materials.

The presentation closed with project contact information and an invitation for continued coordination between GDOT and city staff. No formal action or vote on the project was recorded at the work session.