The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed traffic bypass project in Summerville. This project aims to improve traffic flow and safety by rerouting traffic around downtown Summerville. The bypass will connect three state routes and includes roundabouts to reduce accidents and delays. Those routes include Highway 27, Highway 114 and Highway 100. It would also impact traffic on Highway 48. The estimated cost is approximately $45 million, with construction starting in 2026. Residents can provide feedback online until August 5, 2025, or attend an open house to be held on July 22, 2025 at the Chattooga County Civic Center on Highway 48 in Summerville, across from Truist Bank. The Georgia Department of Transportation encourages community participation to influence the project’s final design. Read more about the project and how you can submit comments online below:
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is actively seeking public feedback on a significant proposed bypass project designed to reroute traffic around the City of Summerville. The initiative, known as Project #621082, aims to enhance overall traffic flow and safety by diverting through-traffic away from the bustling downtown area.
The new bypass is proposed along the southwest side of town and would create an alternative route by connecting three key state routes: SR 100, SR 114, and SR 27 (SR 1/US 27). This connection is expected to relieve congestion on SR 1/US 27, especially near downtown Summerville and for drivers accessing SR 48.
A key feature of the proposed design includes the addition of roundabouts at the intersections with SR 114, SR 100, and SR 1/US 27. GDOT emphasizes that studies have shown roundabouts are effective in reducing crashes and improving traffic operations by minimizing conflict points and reducing delays when compared to traditional signalized intersections. The project also proposes adding sidewalks and other safety enhancements for pedestrians.
GDOT highlights that the bypass will not only improve local traffic conditions but also better accommodate current and future demands on State Route 1 / U.S. Highway 27, which is part of Georgia’s Freight Corridor Network.
The estimated total cost for all phases of the project is approximately $45,117,574.14. This includes:
- Preliminary Engineering: $4,849,768.00
- Right of Way: $8,119,200.00
- Construction: $26,251,131.14
- Utilities: $5,897,475.00
- (Note: This cost is an estimate and is updated as the project progresses.)
GDOT is currently in the final design phase for the proposed project and actively acquiring Right of Way (ROW). Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
How to Provide Feedback:
GDOT is emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping the final design and alignment of the project. Residents have two primary ways to offer their input:
- Online Comments:
- Visit the Georgia DOT website’s Public Outreach and Community Engagement page HERE
- Scroll to Project #621082 and click “See Details.”
- The online comment period closes on August 5, 2025.
- Public Information Open House (PIOH):
- An in-person open house will be held to allow residents to review plans directly and speak with project representatives.
- Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Location: Chattooga County Civic Center
Residents with specific questions or concerns are encouraged to contact GDOT Project Manager Adolfo Villarreal directly via email at avillarreal@dot.ga.gov or by phone at 404-387-5576.
GDOT strongly encourages all affected community members to review the plans, submit comments, and attend the upcoming open house to ensure their voices are heard in this major transportation planning effort. Public feedback is crucial in shaping the project’s final outcome.
Comments