Georgia Department of Transportation – Georgia’s First Railroad Roundabout

Originally reconstructed in 2014, the intersection of Georgia 242 in Sandersville caused congestion and safety concerns. Therefore, the Georgia Department of Transportation crated a solution to improve safety, save time for drivers, and save money by keeping all of the work in-house. That solution: the state’s first-ever railroad roundabout. With other roundabout projects in the state proving to enhance safety, the department built a roundabout that allows the railroad to run directly through the center of the intersection. Completed for just under $200,000, the new roundabout enhances operational safeguards that allow for drivers to enter and exit the roundabout and for trains to move safely. These include active warning gates and lighting help to alert drivers to train crossings and additional lighting to keep the roundabout visible at night. The Georgia DOT worked with the city of Sandersville and other agencies to coordinate the project, with the work completed entirely by the Georgia DOT’s team. With those improvements, both drivers and trains can travel through this intersection safely for years to come.