The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) first new turbine bridge ramp that carries I-16 westbound traffic to I-95 southbound, is now open. The ramp replaces the existing cloverleaf, loop ramp on the west side of I-95 with a first of its kind for Georgia "partial turbine" configuration ramp to provide smoother, more direct connections through this busy corridor.
With the new configuration, motorists traveling along I-16 westbound to I-95 northbound and southbound will use a common exit located before the I-95 interchange. This exit ramp later splits at a decision point to continue onto I-95 northbound (right) or southbound (left).
The first NEW turbine bridge ramps opened Thursday night while traffic volumes were at the lowest. New signage has been unveiled, and traffic control measures have been installed to close the current cloverleaf, loop ramp. Traffic pacing will occur based on traffic volumes. Message boards are set up to notify the traveling public of the new traffic pattern.
"Savannah! The first NEW turbine bridge ramp at the #1695Improvements is now open.
— GDOT Southeast (@GeorgiaDOTSE) March 24, 2023
Don't forget! As I-16 WB motorists approach the I-16/I-95 Interchange, the exit lane to access I-95 will begin much earlier. Please pay attention and drive alert! https://t.co/QdH15NKI5n " pic.twitter.com/egryGVCaEe
A full-turbine interchange, also known as a whirlpool interchange, has two or three levels with ramps forming a spiral around the interchange’s center. Two of the four existing cloverleafs will convert into turbine bridges at this major interchange thus the “partial-turbine” name.
The second new turbine bridge ramp, which will carry I-95 southbound traffic to I-16 eastbound is anticipated to open in Q2 2023.
The 16@95 Improvement Projects will improve traffic flow and enhance safety along I-16 and I-95, one of Georgia’s busiest freight corridors as well as the gateway to Georgia’s growing port in Savannah, by reconstructing the I-16/I-95 Interchange and widening I-16 to relieve congestion. Improvements will support 100,000 projected daily vehicles in metro Savannah by 2030, alleviating more than 30% of delays on I-16 from I-516 to I-95 and providing enhanced first responder mobility.
Other work to be completed at the I-16/I-95 Interchange includes improvements to the remaining loop ramps as well as the addition of a new bridge, barrier-separated, collector-distributor (CD) lane, also known as a connecting lane, and improved lighting throughout the interchange.
The Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) is a grouping of large-scale projects expected to yield a significant reduction in congestion along key freight and passenger corridors. The projects will create additional capacity, improve the movement of freight, provide operational improvements and efficiencies, enhance safety, and decrease travel times. More information on the MMIP is located at http://dot.ga.gov/IS/MMIP. Additional project information is available at https://majormobilityga.com/projects/i1695improvements/
