1.   What is the purpose of the Southwest GA Interstate Study? 

The Southwest Georgia Interstate Study will investigate all of Southwest Georgia and comprehensively identify capacity and operational needs to improve the region’s access to existing interstate facilities (I-185, I-75, and I-10).

2.   What will be the resulting product of this Study?

The Study will produce a list of potential transportation recommendations for the Southwest Georgia region.

3.   Are there alignments for a new interstate?

No, there are no proposed interstate alignments at this point in time

4.   What is the timeframe for completing the Study?

      The Study began in December of 2007 and will be completed in May of 2009.

 5.   How would an alignment be determined?

This Study would identify the most cost effective route.  Evaluation criteria will include environmental constraints (natural and cultural), travel patterns, accessibility needs and project cost.

6.   Is the Southwest Georgia Interstate Study the same the I-185 Extension Study? 

GDOT is not conducting anything known as an “I-185 Extension Study”.  GDOT is only conducting a “Southwest Georgia Interstate Study” that will examine needs, scan potential alignments/corridors, and develop cost estimates for any recommended improvements that would improve Southwest Georgia’s access the three interstates (I-10, I-75 and I-185).

7.   Why is the Georgia DOT looking at building an interstate when there are several four-lane projects under various stages of construction which are not yet completed?

We are looking at long-term needs (2040) to determine the viability and desirability of providing limited access facility requirement in the study area.  This study will also examine the longevity of the current multi-lane facilities in the study area; as well as implementing four-lane projects correlating on the books.

8.   Do we really need an interstate through Southwest Georgia, or can we just improve the roads that we have (e.g. widen a two-lane road to a four-lane road, etc.)?

The Study will objectively evaluate and look at various types of transportation system improvements, including four-lane highways, that will satisfy the personal, business, and freight mobility needs of Southwest Georgia, both today and in 2040. 

Input from the public through the public involvement process will provide pertinent information on what these needs are and how they can be met.

9.   Will the Study look at which communities want an interstate and which do not?

An extensive public involvement process is being conducted as part of the Study to gauge public opinion and to obtain input regarding transportation improvement alternatives.  The Study team strongly encourages the public to become involved in the Study process by attending the public involvement meetings and/or by providing input via the Study website, www.swgainterstate.com/commentform.asp

10. I attended a public meeting and filled out a Comment Form.  I also submitted a comment on the Study website. How will this information be used?

Comments received from meetings, faxes, emails, or the website are reviewed and complied and will serve as documentation of the Study’s public involvement process. The Study’s final product will incorporate public comments.

11. How will I know when the next round of public involvement meetings is scheduled?

A variety of methods will be used to communicate the dates, times, and locations of the next round of public involvement meetings including:

• A Press Release will be issued by GDOT announcing the dates, times and locations of the next public meetings.

• A Public Involvement Meeting flyer will be distributed to local public libraries.

• A notification letter will be sent to local government leaders and to those who attended and signed in at the first round of public meetings.

The dates, times, and locations will also be posted on the Study’s website, www.swgainterstate.com/meeting.html