ATLANTA – House Majority Leader Jon Burns (R-Newington), State Representative Bill Hitchens (R-Rincon) and State Senator Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) today announced that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will build a roundabout at the intersection of State Route (SR) 275/Ebenezer Road and Country Road (CR) 307/Old Augusta Road South/ Long Bridge Road in Effingham County.
“I’m thankful that GDOT is taking on this significant project for the safety and well-being of our county’s citizens,” said Leader Burns. “This intersection has been a public safety hazard in our community for years, with car crashes frequently occurring at this intersection. I believe that installing a roundabout will make Effingham County’s roadways safer for all commuters.”
“Installing this roundabout will address an important public safety concern at this intersection,” said Rep. Hitchens. “I am pleased that GDOT has identified this hazard community and will work to implement a safe solution for our citizens.”
“Safety for our local commuters and those traveling through Effingham County remains a top priority,” said Sen. Hill. “I commend GDOT for funding this project, which will help to decrease the number of accidents that occur at this intersection.”
The purpose of the $2.14 million project is to decrease the frequency and severity of automobile crashes at the Ebenezer Road/Old Augusta Road South/Long Bridge Road intersection and to improve the intersection’s operational efficiency. According to crash data, 16 correctable crashes occurred at this intersection from 2004 to 2013, which resulted in nine injury crashes. Studies have shown that roundabouts typically reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by nearly 80 percent.
The new roundabout will be 150 feet in diameter and consist of a single lane. The construction contractor, Reeves Construction Company of Americus, Ga., is expected to complete the project by summer 2019.
For more information on GDOT, please click here.
Representative Jon Burns represents the citizens of District 159, which includes portions of Bulloch, Effingham and Screven counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves as House Majority Leader. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, Ethics, Game, Fish & Parks, Rules and Transportation committees.
Representative Bill Hitchens represents the citizens of District 161, which includes portions of Chatham and Effingham counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Safety & Homeland Security and Transportation committees. He is a member of the Military Affairs working group.
Sen. Jack Hill serves as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham and Evans counties and portions of Emanuel and Tattnall counties. He may be reached at 404.656.5038 or via email at jack.hill@senate.ga.gov.
###