Georgia Department of Transportation’s Old National Highway Safety Improvements

Georgia Department of Transportation’s Old National Highway Safety Improvements project converted a high‑crash corridor into a safer and more accessible roadway for motorists, pedestrians, and transit users. The $2.9 million project centered on one of Georgia’s most dangerous non‑interstate corridors, which ranked highest in pedestrian crashes and overall crash severity. With about 48,000 vehicles traveling the corridor daily, frequent transit use, and numerous commercial driveways, safety challenges were complex and persistent. The project’s main goal was to reduce crashes and serious injuries while keeping traffic moving and maintaining access to local businesses. To accomplish this, Georgia DOT installed raised medians, reduced conflict intersections, right‑in/right‑out access treatments, and pedestrian hybrid beacons. These upgrades reduced dangerous turning movements, lowered vehicle conflict points, and created safer, more visible crossing locations for pedestrians, especially transit riders. The improvements have made traffic operations more predictable and organized, benefiting motorists and non-motorists alike. Raised medians also provide pedestrian refuge areas and help calm traffic, while improved access management supports nearby businesses by making it easier and safer for customers and employees to enter and exit the corridor. The project was funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This federal investment permitted Georgia DOT to move swiftly from planning to construction and bring recognized safety countermeasures where they were most needed. Overall, the project strengthens safety, supports economic activity, and positions the corridor for continued growth and investment.

Leave a comment