GDOT’s Ramp Project to Provide Smoother Connections

“We talk a lot about the tremendous growth at the Georgia Ports and of course, this project is part of the needed roadway improvements to support the movement of freight and increased safety for both commercial and passenger vehicles,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “Through partnerships with local officials, the Georgia Ports Authority and cooperation from the traveling public, we’re working to improve this critical interchange and mobility for the Savannah area.”

The partial turbine bridge ramps were open overnight when traffic volumes are typically lowest. At the time of the new turbine bridge ramp opening, new signage was unveiled and traffic control measures were installed to close the current cloverleaf, loop ramp.

Other work to be completed at the I-16/I95 Interchange includes improvements to the remaining loop ramps as well as the addition of a new bridge, barrier-separated, collector-distributor (CD) lane, also known as a connecting lane, and improved lighting throughout the interchange.

This long-term improvement project broke ground in 2020.

Project Information

Construction began in January 2020. Overall, the project will:

• Widen I-16 mainline corridor toward the inside median from two to three lanes in each direction from I-95 to I-516;

• Replace the existing (I-95 southbound to I-16 eastbound and the I-16 westbound to I95 southbound) loop ramps located on the west side of I-95 with “partial turbine” configuration ramps to provide smoother, more direct connections;

• Add a collector-distributor (CD) lane on I-95 northbound to help improve traffic flow and safety to and from I-16 and I-95;

• Add lighting at the I-16/I-95 Interchange;

• Install Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology, including cameras, and changeable message signs to provide realtime driving conditions;

• Install ramp meters at SR 307/Dean Forest Road and Chatham Parkway onramps;

• Construct a two-lane, emergency-use median crossover on I-16 between I-95 and

SR 307/Dean Forest Road to aid in evacuations; existing I-16 crossovers will remain operational until the new, two-lane crossover becomes operational;

• Construct/rehabilitate 13 bridges throughout the project limits.

About MMIP

The Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) is a grouping of large-scale projects expected to yield a significant reduction in congestion along key freight and passenger corridors. The projects will create additional capacity, improve the movement of freight, provide operational improvements and efficiencies, enhance safety, and decrease travel times.

For more information, visit dot.ga.gov/IS/MMIP. Additional project information is available at majormobilityga.com/projects/i1695improvements

About GDOT

Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. It’s involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And it helps local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation. For more information, visit dot.ga.gov. 

(All photos courtesy of GDOT.)