Road Department

Road Department

Every road in Emanuel County tells a story of connection—bringing neighbors together, supporting businesses, and ensuring safe travel for everyone. The road department is the team behind this vital work, managing one of the largest county road systems in Georgia: over 900 miles of dirt and paved roads.

Leadership and Workforce

Guided by Public Works Director Justin Morris, the road department is split into two operational zones. Road Superintendents Brad Kirby and Anthony Bennett oversee the west and east sides of the county, respectively, with Highway 1 as the dividing line. Together with an administrative assistant and a dedicated crew of just 25 employees, this small but mighty team accomplishes a daunting task: maintaining and improving a massive roadway network that serves thousands of residents and visitors. Their resilience and commitment shine in the face of challenges, proving that even a small team can deliver big results.

Core Responsibilities

The road crew handles a wide range of duties that ensure our roadways remain safe and accessible. These responsibilities include:

Road Maintenance and Repairs

The team works diligently to keep roads smooth and free of potholes by performing grading, paving, and resurfacing operations across the county.

Drainage and Bridge Maintenance

Proper drainage and bridge upkeep are essential for preventing flooding and ensuring the structural integrity of critical infrastructure.

Signage Management

Temporary and permanent road signs are installed and maintained by the department to enhance driver safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

Right-of-Way Maintenance

Keeping roadways and shoulders clear is a priority, with the department regularly removing overgrowth, litter, and debris to ensure safe and unobstructed passage.

Emergency Response

Emergency Response: During severe weather events, the Road Department acts as “storm troopers,” performing preemptive maintenance to minimize damage, clearing debris from roadways, and swiftly restoring access in the aftermath. Often working in hazardous conditions and on-call around the clock when storms head our way, these selfless efforts ensure that residents and emergency services can travel safely, even during the most challenging circumstances.

A Legacy of Service During Crisis

The road department’s hard work and dedication were on full display in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a storm unlike any Emanuel County had faced before. While private contractors, volunteers, and government-allocated support like the National Guard and forestry service played valuable roles, it was the road department that carried the bulk of the burden. Their year-round preventative maintenance and rapid response efforts made it possible to restore Emanuel County’s road system far faster than neighboring communities. In fact, the team’s efficiency allowed the county to release hired and allocated assistance sooner than expected, a testament to their tireless commitment to keeping our roads safe and accessible under extraordinary circumstances.

Long-Term Impact and Innovation

Beyond daily maintenance, Emanuel County's road team is instrumental in planning for the future. By collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies, the team develops strategies for road expansions and infrastructure improvements that accommodate Emanuel County’s growth and evolving needs. Current projects, such as LMIG, TIA, and TSPLOST initiatives, are paving the way—literally!—for a more connected and prosperous future.

For transparency, we've provided a list of our current special road infrastructure projects.