Our community is well aware of the economic engine that is the Georgia Ports Authority. But what most people don’t know is that for the better part of 20 years, our roads and highways that feed into the port never made the governor’s priority list.
That changed two years ago, when I joined with leaders from Bryan County to meet with then-Gov. Nathan Deal and plead the case for road improvements throughout Richmond Hill, which are a key ingredient for our thriving port system. It was after this meeting that Richmond Hill’s infrastructure was quickly moved to the top of the priority list as the governor saw the vital link between improved infrastructure and economic growth.
In addition to being positioned as an artery that flows trucks and rail cars into the port, Richmond Hill is steeped in history, natural beauty, and is known as a great place to raise a family. Studies show the steady population growth will continue over the next several years, as more people discover this gem of a community.
The Port of Savannah is predicting a steady increase in growth as well, with container vessels having grown to mammoth size and greatly increasing container capacity. To support these giant vessels, state officials are expressing support for a new bridge with a higher bridge span, while harbor deepening is underway. Within the next decade, port officials expect Savannah’s capacity for handling containers to increase from 5.5 million units annually to 8 million.
With the support of Georgia Department of Transportation Board Chairman Ann Purcell and DOT Planning Director Jay Roberts, I’m pleased to report there is a plan in place for infrastructure improvements. The DOT is currently working on projects at the Interstate 95/U.S. 17 interchange and the I–95/Georgia 144 interchange with improvements underway at the loop ramp and lanes in the area. These projects are anticipated to spur immediate development and change travel patterns in the region.
If you’ve driven through Richmond Hill during rush hour recently, you know that Georgia 144 is a major artery — and contributes to major headaches — at peak times. This important highway connects the southern end of Bryan County to I–95 and U.S. 17 and is used by truckers, tourists, commuters, and visitors alike. The gridlock will soon be alleviated, though, as Georgia 144 is planned to be widened by Georgia DOT from the terminus of the existing four-lane section south to Belfast River Road. This project has been designed, right–of–way acquisition is ongoing, and it is scheduled for some time next year. In addition, a new interchange on I-95 is scheduled to be constructed at Belfast Keller Road. The project is currently in the design stages and will be built within the next five years.
As we experience growth, these projects are steps in the right direction for a better Georgia that has the infrastructure in place to enhance our economic development and improve the lives of those who travel our highways. I was pleased to collaborate with Bryan County leaders to help make this a reality and look forward to seeing the benefits for our great community.
Rep. Ron Stephens is a Republican who represents District 164, which includes southwestern Chatham County and parts of Bryan and Liberty counties. He is in his 12th term in the Georgia House of Representatives.