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CONSTRUCTION OF FINAL PHASE OF I-16/I-75 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO START THIS FALL
MACON-BIBB COUNTY, Ga. - Crews for the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will begin construction activities on the sixth and final phase of the I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project in Macon-Bibb County this fall. This milestone represents the culmination of a $620 million investment to strengthen mobility and safety in the city of Macon, across Middle Georgia, and throughout the state's transportation network.
The improvements also support Georgia's growing freight and logistics industry, a vital driver of the state's economy. This final phase was advanced ahead of original schedule with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly through an additional investment in the state's transportation infrastructure.
Construction activities for
Phase 6 of the Project, valued at $135 million, are scheduled to begin in early November 2025, weather and on-site conditions permitting. As with all widening and reconstruction projects, preliminary activities will include some vegetation clearing to prepare for underground and overhead utility relocations, allowing crews' safe access to the roadway. Phase 6 is scheduled for completion in late fall 2029. -more- I-16/I-75 Ph 6 Construction Start page 2 Phase 6 construction will focus on I-75 northbound and southbound between the I-16/I-75 interchange and Pierce Avenue, covering approximately three miles. Key improvements include: • Widening and reconstructing three miles of I-75 to expand traffic capacity, • Building a new 1,575-foot bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad, and • Resurfacing the interstate with new striping and updating roadway signage.
"We are excited to announce this milestone as we move closer to project completion," said Tyler Peek, District Engineer for Georgia DOT's District 3/West Central Georgia. "We deeply value our partnership with the Macon-Bibb community as we deliver these critical transportation improvements."
The I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement Project began in 2017 and consists of seven design and construction phases, including one phase of non-roadway improvements. Upon completion, drivers will experience safer travel, enhanced mobility, and reduced delays where two of Georgia's busiest interstate corridors intersect. Improvements realized over the seven phases include:
• New collector-distributor (CD) lanes, interstate lanes, and on/off ramps, • Enhancements to local streets and upgrades to 11 bridges,
• Added sidewalks and multi-use trail connections for pedestrians and cyclists, and • Sound walls, improved drainage, and community amenities, including parks and preservation of cultural resources in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood.
Additional information and project history can be found on the I-16/I-75 project website,
https://i16andi-75interchange-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/
Underscoring the critical need for these improvements, traffic volumes through the interchange continue to grow. According to Georgia DOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC), average daily traffic has risen from 57,600 vehicles in 2020 to 65,600 in 2025 (year-to-date through July). Truck traffic now accounts for 14.5% of those volumes. ALERT: Motorists are reminded to drive with caution in work zones, reduce speed, move over one lane for crews and equipment in the roadway, and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
For real-time travel updates, to report incidents, or to request roadside assistance, dial 511. --more- Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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