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Summer is Here - and So is Hurricane Season!
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The 2024 Hurricane Season officially began June 1 and continues through November 30. Forecasters are predicting this season to have above-normal activity. If the need arises for an evacuation, the 16@95 Improvement Projects are ready!
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In the event of a mandatory evacuation from Coastal Georgia, the I-16 eastbound lanes will become contraflow lanes, which means all I-16 lanes will support westbound traffic movement from Savannah to U.S. 441 in Dublin, a distance of 125 miles. When an evacuation is ordered, the contraflow lanes will remain in place until the Governor of Georgia allows residents to return to their homes.
Prior to the 16@95 Improvement Projects, two one-lane, emergency-use median crossovers on I-16 existed between I-95 and Dean Forest Road and just east of Chatham Parkway. Both crossovers have been removed to make way for the widening of I-16. The new crossover consists of a single two-lane, emergency-median crossover. As shown in the images below, the new crossover is located west of the I-16 westbound exit to I-95, allowing for a safe and efficient contraflow of traffic along westbound I-16 in the event of a declared emergency evacuation.
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Above: The new emergency crossover is now in place and operational if needed during an evacuation.
Below: On I-16 westbound, the left lane will direct drivers to the eastbound contraflow lanes. The center lane will allow drivers to continue on the westbound lanes or divert to the eastbound contraflow lanes.
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Moving the location of the emergency-median crossover west of I-95 has some distinct advantages over the prior crossover locations. When contraflow is activated, this configuration will enable emergency vehicles to have faster access to Savannah and surrounding areas and will reduce the number of cars using the crossover, as many, if consistent with plans established for contraflow operations, will exit on I-95 rather than continue west on I-16.
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Don't be caught off guard - Prepare Now! Check out the CEMAHurricane Preparedness Guidesfor hurricane preparedness tips. The Mission of the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is to promote emergency management principles across the entire community.
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16@95 Improvement Projects crews pour sections of the bridge deck for the new I-95 southbound bridge over I-16.
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Asphalt is going down for the widening of I-16!
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Community Engagement Opportunities
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The 16@95 Improvement Projects team is available to speak to community groups and organizations. To request a presentation, please send us a speaker request form, which is available on the website and can be downloaded here. Thank you!
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Disadvantaged Business
Enterprises (DBE) Opportunities
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Savannah Mobility Contractors (SMC) is committed to maximizing opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). For more information and/or to receive DBE webinar invitations, please contact Romaine Lewis, DBE manager, at (973) 960-6857 or via email at [email protected].
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Georgia Department of Transportation