The state is paving the way for work on the Highway 84 bypass to start.
Among Gov. Brian Kemp’s announcement of $1.5 billion in state surplus directed toward transportation projects was $27.7 million assigned to construction of the long-awaited bypass.
The bypass will start at Highway 84 in Long County about a half-mile south of 84’s intersection with Highway 119. The road will be parallel to Highway 119 and cross over the CSX railroad, intersect with Arnold, Griffin and Dunlevie roads.
The bypass is planned to continue until it connects with the current Highway 119 east of Walthourville. The proposed bypass then will be called Highway 119. The current Highway 119, which will end in a cul-de-sac just east of Tibet Road, will be called Talmadge Road.
“Over the last few years, we've welcomed unprecedented job creation to all regions of the Peach State, and this funding will ensure our already reliable infrastructure network can meet the needs of that incredible growth,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank the lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, and members of the General Assembly for their support of this generational investment as we work together to keep Georgia the best state for opportunity. In the months and years ahead, hardworking Georgians will see further improvements to the roads and bridges they drive each day."
A Moreland Altobelli traffic study completed in 2010 showed the need to shift regional traffic away from the section of Highway 84 that cuts through the center of Hinesville, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The Hinesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization travel model showed that approximately 40% of the traffic on Highway 84 was regional. Because of the number of driveways and the commercial development along 84, its functionality as a regional thoroughfare is diminished.
HAMPO’s travel demand models show traffic volumes on Highway 84 increasing by 64% by 2035. The current Highway 84 would be unable to handle the future traffic demand. The regional traffic also includes a large number of tractor-trailers traveling from manufacturers in Wayne County to Savannah’s port.
Data collected in August 2010 shows the traffic in Hinesville on Highway 84 to be 19% trucks.
Construction on the bypass is expected to take two years. It will have two 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders, with bridges over the CSX railroad and over wetlands. A start date for construction has not been determined.
A 2003 agreement between county commissioners and the state DOT put the county in charge of wetlands mitigation, stream buffers, utility relocation and design and plan approvals.
A $2.7 federal earmark acquired earlier this year is dedicated to utility relocations.
Work on the Highway 84 bypass began more than 25 years ago.
“Over the last several years, Georgia has witnessed unprecedented growth and development in every corner of the state,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “This historic growth presents a significant opportunity to strengthen and secure our roads, bridges, and economic development centers that will face increased demand for the foreseeable future. We’re proud of the $1.5 billion investment in our critical infrastructure across Georgia and look forward to keeping our state and economy moving."
For more, see the July 25 edition of the Coastal Courier.