The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is seeking public comment on the proposed I-85 Widening, Phase III Project in Jackson and Banks counties. In concordance with social distancing practices, instead of a typical in-person public meetings, Georgia DOT will be hosting a virtual Public Information Open House (PIOH) by posting information related to the proposed project on an online platform at https://i-85-widening-015245-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/. This online platform also includes information on the proposed bridge replacements along I-85 at the North Oconee River and Ridgeway Church Road.
 
“Georgia DOT has released the project’s concept design. The Department is offering virtual engagement opportunities for the public to submit comment on the project to keep critical transportation infrastructure improvements on track,” said Georgia DOT Project Manager Kathe Ahmed. “We encourage members of the public to participate in the public comment period as we strive to improve the movement of freight and enhance mobility.”
 
Proposed improvements include:

• Widen I-85 by constructing one (1) general purpose lane in each direction for 13 miles from US 129 to north of US 441 within the existing grassed median

• Replace existing guardrail along the project corridor to current Department standards

• Replace two existing mainline bridges on I-85 at the North Oconee River and at Ridgeway Church Road

Public comments can be accepted during the virtual PIOH and until March 9, 2021, by:
Leaving a comment in the comment section of the virtual PIOH site.

1. Emailing your comments to [email protected]

2. Calling the Georgia DOT Project Manager at 404-631-1570 to leave a message.

3. Submitting written comments to the Georgia Department of Transportation; Attention: Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator, 600 West Peachtree Street, NE – 16^th Floor, Atlanta, Ga., 30308.

To learn more about the proposed project and to provide input, visit the project website at https://i-85-widening-015245-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/.