Chattooga County residents have an opportunity to weigh in on transportation projects planned for Northwest Georgia as the Georgia Department of Transportation seeks public input on its Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
A small bridge on Spring Creek Road near Trion is expected to reopen by the end of August following an emergency replacement project prompted by safety concerns.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to review proposed transportation projects and submit feedback online as part of the draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
GDOT is encouraging citizens to participate through its interactive STIP website, where users can search for projects by county, view detailed project descriptions, funding information and anticipated timelines, and submit comments electronically. The public comment period remains open through August 15, 2026.
The STIP serves as Georgia’s four-year transportation plan for federally funded projects outside metropolitan planning areas and includes proposed highway, bridge, safety, resurfacing, bicycle, pedestrian and railroad improvements. Public comments will help GDOT identify local transportation priorities as it finalizes the 2027–2030 program.
Residents can review projects affecting Chattooga County and other areas of Northwest Georgia and submit feedback online through the Georgia DOT STIP website before the August 15 deadline.
You can find out more HERE
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project that will improve more than 18.5 miles of county roads through funding provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Local Road Assistance (LRA) programs.
Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the county is exploring whether smaller passenger vehicles could be allowed back across the Mosteller Creek Bridge on Oak Hill Road west of Lyerly while long-term replacement plans are developed.
Georgia motorists saved an estimated $188 million during a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax that ended June 2, according to newly released state revenue figures.
The tax relief measure, approved earlier this year by Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers, temporarily reduced the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for consumers across Georgia. The suspension was intended to help offset higher fuel costs and provide financial relief to families and businesses.
State officials reported that fuel tax collections dropped significantly during the period the tax break was in effect, contributing to lower overall revenue from motor fuel taxes. Despite the decline in fuel tax collections, Georgia’s broader revenue picture remained stable due to strong collections from other tax sources.
The savings translated into lower prices at the pump for drivers statewide, with the average motorist paying several cents less per gallon during the suspension. State leaders have frequently used temporary fuel tax suspensions in recent years as a way to provide relief during periods of elevated fuel prices or economic uncertainty.
With the tax break now expired, Georgia’s full motor fuel tax rate has returned, meaning drivers are once again paying the standard state tax on gasoline and diesel purchases.
Supporters of the measure say it delivered meaningful savings to Georgia households, while critics note the temporary suspension also reduced transportation-related revenues that help fund road and infrastructure projects.
Traveling into downtown Rome by way of Second Avenue has been a source of frustration for many drivers as the ongoing road construction project continues.
Representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation District 6 will provide a public informational update on the Second Avenue widening project on Monday, May 11, 2026. The presentation is scheduled from 5 until 6 PM in the City Commission Chambers upstairs at Rome City Hall.
GDOT officials are expected to share updates on construction progress, project timelines, and ongoing work related to the widening project.
State Representative Katie Dempsey of Rome thanked GDOT District 6 officials for continuing to communicate with local leaders and residents throughout the process.
The presentation will also be livestreamed through the City of Rome YouTube Channel, the same way regular Rome City Commission meetings are streamed
A bridge replacement project in Chattooga County will soon impact local traffic, according to a notice from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.
State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, who represents Chattooga County and part of Floyd County, says the second week of the Georgia legislative session focused on “budget week,” as lawmakers reviewed Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposals for the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Lumsden highlighted a proposed one-time $1 billion tax rebate, a $2,000 supplement for state employees and school personnel, investments in rural economic development and timber industry recovery, increased funding for higher education and HOPE scholarships, and the creation of the state’s first need-based aid program through the DREAMS scholarship. He also noted funding for behavioral health housing support, public safety, transportation projects, and workforce development, along with updates on Georgia’s revenue outlook and preparations for winter weather, including a statewide State of Emergency. Lumsden said budget subcommittees will continue their work in the coming weeks and encouraged constituents to stay informed and engaged. See his complete report below: