Chattooga County residents, already engaged in discussions about a proposed roundabout at the Gore intersection on Highway 27, now have new information to consider: the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has just received a prestigious award for a roundabout project elsewhere in the state, underscoring the agency’s confidence in these modern traffic solutions.

The planned roundabout at the foot of Taylor’s Ridge on Highway 27, targeting the busy Gore intersection, has been a significant topic of local conversation since its announcement. However, the agency behind these local plans, the Georgia DOT, recently garnered a southern regional winner award in the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards.

Announced Tuesday during the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) annual conference in Lexington, Kentucky, Georgia DOT’s “I-20 Eastbound Exit Ramp Roundabout at Maynard Terrace” project won in the “Operations Excellence, Small Project” category. This category specifically recognizes projects that have significantly benefited their communities, focusing on economic growth and the well-being of citizens.

“The mission of the Georgia DOT is to deliver a transportation network focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility for the people and businesses of Georgia,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “This roundabout project embodies those ideals and will provide lasting benefits for residents in the area and motorists using the ramp for years to come.”

The award-winning project addressed critical issues at the I-20 Eastbound Exit Ramp at Maynard Terrace, an interstate exit ramp and intersection near a bustling business district, residential properties, and a school. Previously, the area experienced significant travel delays and a high number of crashes, compounded by a complete lack of pedestrian facilities like crosswalks or sidewalks.

After detailed analysis, Georgia DOT determined a roundabout with integrated pedestrian accommodations would best handle high motor vehicle traffic volumes, ensuring more efficient flow and a dramatic reduction in severe crashes. The department prioritized community engagement, hosting public meetings and conducting outreach programs. They also collaborated with the Battle of Atlanta Greenway Trail project to seamlessly integrate pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Opened to traffic in December 2024 and completed in April 2025, the Maynard Terrace roundabout features a multi-lane design with 5-foot sidewalks and a 10-foot shared-use path. It notably eliminates left-turn conflicts, which improves motorist visibility, lowers vehicle speeds, and reduces the overall severity of accidents. Since its completion, Georgia DOT reports a significant decrease in traffic congestion, backups, and crashes, while the new pedestrian amenities encourage multimodal access to local businesses and Alonzo Crim High School.

Beyond this specific success, Georgia DOT emphasizes that roundabouts are proven solutions for safety and capacity issues. At intersections where roundabouts have replaced traditional intersections, data shows a reduction of over 35 percent in accidents of all types and a more than 60 percent decrease in injury accidents.

As a regional winner, Georgia DOT’s “I-20 Eastbound Exit Ramp Roundabout at Maynard Terrace” project will now advance to contend for a spot on AASHTO’s “Top 12” of nationwide finalists, which will be announced in early September. The chosen “Top 12” projects will then compete for a Grand Prize, selected by an independent panel of judges, and a People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote. Winners will be announced in November at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, with each national winner receiving $10,000 to donate to a charity or scholarship of their choice.

While the specific plans for the Gore intersection continue to be a subject of local dialogue, the Georgia DOT’s recent recognition provides a glimpse into the agency’s rationale and the potential benefits it aims to bring to its transportation network, including future projects in Chattooga County.