U.S. 1 Project Phase 2 Expedited

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has expedited Phase 2 of the U.S. Highway 1, State Route 4 bypass project by four years and has allocated $26.6 million for the project.

This expedition comes as a result of Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement of a $1.5 billion investment in transportation infrastructure around the state, which was included in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

“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 continued from page

that incredible growth,” remarked Governor 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.'

First announced during the 2024 Legislative Session, this investment will more than double the state’s funding to cities and counties for local transportation infrastructure, provide an increase in funding for general aviation airports, resurface more state highways, accelerate the completion of key transportation projects already underway, and kick start new strategic projects to prepare for Georgia’s future. The historic decision will be divided among several different types of funding, including: • Local Roads Fund ing ($250 million) – more than doubling State funding for every city and county for local transportation investments; • Capital Construc tion ($593 million) – increasing GDOT’s capital construction program by 58% to help manage cost increases due to inflation and expediting projects in GDOT’s existing pipeline of projects. Funding will help accelerate 24 projects by a total of 43 years; • Capital Maintenance ($50 million) – increasing GDOT’s capital maintenance budget by 32% to resurface State highways around the state; • Airport Aid ($98 million) – advancing improvements at various general aviation airports; and • Freight Program ($500 million) – funding a new program that includes 18 projects devoted to freight-carrying infrastructure which will improve efficiency, safety and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia.

The widening and construction of the U.S. 1 bypass falls under the freight program of the investment, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2026. This phase of the project will begin south of the intersection of the highway and McDilda road, and will run through intersections with Old Normantown Road and Victory Circle before reaching the bypass’s connector and traveling to Resmando Road. The total length of the project is 3.06 miles.

Progress of the bypass construction has been seen throughout Toombs County, with the most recent construction site being the building of overpasses over U.S. Highway 280 and Georgia Highway 292. Phase 2 of this construction was not expected to begin for at least 3-4 years, but was given an approval to proceed on July 9.

State Senator Blake Tillery commented on the development, citing it as a major step in improving transportation and economic development in the region. 'I deeply appreciate the commitment of Governor Kemp and Commissioner Russell McMurry to enhancing our transportation infrastructure as southeast Georgia continues to grow,' he remarked. 'His responsiveness to the needs of our community does not go unnoticed, and I look forward to continuing collaboration with GDOT, our local officials, and community stakeholders as the project progresses.'

Tillery also thanked the local officials and community leaders who have understood the importance of the bypass project for several decades, having even discussed the construction in the 1990s. “The advocacy and support from our local officials have been instrumental in highlighting the necessity of this bypass,” he explained. “Their voices have been heard, and their persistence has paid off. We’re all excited to see the completion of this project, which will greatly enhance traffic flow, safety and economic opportunity within the 19th Senate District.”

State Representative Leesa Hagan also spoke on the occasion. “The U.S. 1/SR 4 bypass project has been in the works for a long time and I, along with other residents in our area who have contacted me about it, are ready to see it completed,” she remarked. “I want to extend my thanks to the General Assembly, Governor Kemp, and GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry for their commitment to this project. The expedited timeline for Phase 2 will improve transportation efficiency and economic growth in our region. This significant investment is evidence that our community is recognized around the State as a key corridor to a brighter future in Southeast Georgia.”

Construction on Phase 2 will begin immediately and will be completed by McLendon Enterprises.