The Georgia Department of Transportation has issued the first of three Notices to Proceed to Savannah Mobility Contractors JV, the selected Design-Build Team for the 16@95 Improvement Projects in Chatham County. The Savannah-area projects – two of the 11 initial Major Mobility Investment Program projects – are scheduled to begin construction in early 2019.

The 16@95 Improvement Projects will improve traffic flow and enhance safety along I-16 and I-95, one of Georgia’s busiest freight corridors as well as the gateway to Georgia’s growing port in Savannah. As part of the projects, Georgia’s first turbine interchange will be constructed. 

The Design-Build Team will design and construct the I-16 at I-95 interchange and widen I-16 from I-95 to I-516 over the next three years. The projects, estimated at $295 million, are expected to result in a 32 percent reduction in delay on I-16 from I-95 to I-516 by 2030.

The interchange and widening projects will be the second and third of the initial 11 MMIP projects to enter construction. Collectively, the MMIP projects will add more than 300 new lane miles, create an additional $1 billion in personal income, stimulate $2 billion in statewide economic growth, and reduce travel delays by 5 percent throughout the state.

“I’m excited for our team and partners to begin delivering on the commitment to enhance mobility and improve safety for motorists for this vital economic center,” Tim Matthews, P.E., Georgia DOT senior project manager said. “Using the innovative design-build delivery method, our partners can accelerate construction and yield significant cost savings. This project will contribute greatly to improved passenger mobility throughout the Savannah metropolitan area as well as freight mobility from the Port of Savannah.”

This NTP is issued upon the execution of the contract between Georgia DOT and the Design-Build Team to perform design activities. Upon completion of the Design-Build Team’s contractual pre-construction requirements, Georgia DOT will authorize the commencement of construction.

“These steps represent the formal authorization of a contractor to begin construction,” Matthews said. “NTP moves us closer to shovels in the ground.”