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Road Projects
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Maintaining and improving our roadways is essential for ensuring safe and efficient travel throughout Emanuel County. With programs like the Transportation Investment Act (TIA), Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG), and Transportation Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST), we are able to tackle critical transportation projects that would otherwise strain local resources.
Despite a required county contribution in some cases, these programs significantly alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers. This is particularly beneficial for a rural county like ours with a sparse population, an extensive road system, and a substantial number of dirt roads. These initiatives help us address larger-scale infrastructure improvements while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Types of Work
Emanuel County’s road projects encompass a wide range of essential tasks, including paving, resurfacing, striping, and patching roadways, replacing culverts and pipes, grading dirt roads, maintaining road shoulders, improving intersections, repairing or replacing bridges, cleaning drainage ditches, installing or repairing guardrails, widening or expanding roads, managing roadside vegetation, implementing erosion control measures, and installing or maintaining signage.
Local Decisions for Local Roads: An Explainer
The selection process for road projects involves assessing road conditions, traffic volumes, and community input. County officials compile a prioritized list of roads requiring attention, which is then submitted to the relevant governing bodies, such as GDOT or regional roundtables, for evaluation and approval. This process ensures that the most critical infrastructure needs are addressed systematically.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Road Infrastructure Programs
TIA
Purpose: TIA allows regions in Georgia to implement a 1 percent sales tax dedicated to funding transportation projects.
Funding: Revenue is generated through the voter-approved sales tax within the region.
Project Selection: Projects are identified and prioritized by a regional roundtable in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
Implementation: The Georgia Department of Transportation manages the projects, ensuring they meet regional transportation needs.
LMIG
Purpose: LMIG provides financial assistance to local governments for road and bridge maintenance.
Funding: Allocations are based on factors such as population and road mileage within the county.
Project Selection: Emanuel County submits a list of prioritized projects annually to GDOT for approval.
Implementation: Projects are typically executed by local public works departments or contracted out to private firms, depending on the project's scope and resources.bbbb
TSPLOST
Purpose: TSPLOST is a county-level sales tax aimed at funding transportation projects.
Funding: Revenue is generated through a voter-approved local sales tax.
Project Selection: County officials identify and prioritize projects, which are then approved by voters during elections.
Implementation: Similar to LMIG, projects may be carried out by local public works departments or through private contractors, depending on the project's requirements.
Roads Designated for Special Projects
Emanuel County has 10 roads due for improvements through TIA and LMIG in 2025. (We do not currently have a TSPLOST in place.) We're providing detailed tables of these projects to keep residents informed about ongoing and upcoming improvements. These tables outline the specific roads selected for enhancement, the nature of the work, and the anticipated timelines, fostering community engagement and trust.
2025 Road Infrastructure Projects
TIA
| Road Name | Span Information | Total Length | Scope of Work | Tentative Start Date | Closures/Detours Anticipated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Expressway | Meadowlake Parkway to Old Nunez Road | 2.68 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| George L. Smith State Park Road | U.S. Highway 80 to park entrance | 1.95 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Modoc Road | Swainsboro city limits to Georgia Highway 56 | 3.25 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Canoochee Garfield Road | Georgia Highway 192 to Garfield city limits | 5.7 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Fairground Road | Swainsboro city limits to Georgia Highway 56 | Resurfacing |
TSPLOST
| Road Name | Span Information | Total Length | Scope of Work | Tentative Start Date | Closures/Detours Anticipated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Crossing Road | Wadley Coleman Lake Road north to end of pavement | 1.05 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Watson Road | Wadley Coleman Lake Road west to Piney Grove Road | 1.40 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Old Wadley Road | Wadley Coleman Lake Road north to Jefferson County | 1.3 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Bird Flanders Road | U.S. Highway 1 west to Pinetucky Road | 3.65 miles | Resurfacing | ||
| Modoc Lane | Georgia Highway 56 west to Modoc Road | 0.65 miles | Resurfacing |
LMIG
| Road Name | Scope of Work | Tentative Start Date | Tentative Completion Date | Closures Anticipated | Detours Anticipated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Special Projects Complement Routine Work
It's important to note that special projects complement, rather than replace, the regular maintenance performed by the Emanuel County Road Department. While routine tasks like grading and minor repairs are ongoing, TIA, LMIG, and TSPLOST-funded projects allow us to undertake more extensive improvements that might otherwise be beyond our financial reach. Together, these efforts ensure that Emanuel County's roadways remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting our community's growth and development.