Truckload of New Updates for I-75 is to Come!

I-75 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LANES PROJECT UPDATE

The I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes (I-75 CVL) project is part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP). The I-75 CVL project adds two truck-only lanes along I-75 in the northbound direction between I-475 north of Macon and SR 155 near McDonough in Henry County. The CVLs will be separated from the general purpose (GP) lanes by concrete barriers.

The I-75 corridor is part of the designated statewide freight network and is one of the most heavily utilized freight corridors, not only in the state, but in the country. As the nation’s fourth busiest port, the Port of Savannah continues to expand with most freight movements from the Port occurring along I-75 to the metro Atlanta region and points beyond. In addition to the Port of Savannah, I-75 also serves freight movements northbound from the state of Florida, which is Georgia’s top trading partner in terms of total freight tonnage. The significant freight volumes along I-75 today will only continue to increase.

The proposed truck-only lanes project is the first of its kind in the United States and will support the state’s economic competitiveness in the global marketplace through the efficient movement of freight. Separating trucks and passenger traffic by adding truck-only lanes will add capacity for commercial vehicles, improve operational efficiency through travel-time reliability and congestion reduction for both trucks and passenger vehicles, and improve safety for all along the I-75 corridor. Delivery of this project in 2028 incorporates the 2017 Executive Order of One Federal Decision/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) acceleration.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

In consideration of the continuing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Transportation is providing opportunities for virtual public engagement regarding the future of this crucial transportation and mobility solution proposed along I-75. A virtual meeting presentation by Matthew Fowler, Georgia DOT program manager is now available for viewing at https://youtu.be/-CbUGYfT4qY.

Continuing to provide opportunities for virtual public engagement with social distancing measures in place, the Chamber anticipates to host a virtual Public Information Open House (PIOH), currently slated for fourth quarter (Q4) 2020 – more information will be provided at a time closer to this event.