Chatham County Develops Plan for Railroad Crossings

News Summary

Chatham County is working on a new project to address traffic delays caused by railroad crossings on President Street. After community discussions, the preferred option involves constructing a bridge over the tracks at a projected cost of $80 million. This sustainable, long-term solution aims to enhance traffic flow and minimize future maintenance needs. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming decisions as the project moves toward completion around 2030.

Chatham County Takes Big Steps to Ease Railroad Crossing Woes

Chatham County is buzzing with excitement over a new project aimed at easing traffic delays caused by train crossings at President Street. And folks, this is no small feat! After a thorough study that kicked off last September, several options were presented to the community, leading to an open house on February 12, 2025, where residents shared their thoughts and ideas. Who doesn’t want to snuggle into a smooth traffic flow?

Selecting the Right Option

During the discussions, three options were laid out for consideration. But it seems that option three stole the spotlight! This option proposes to build a bridge over the railroad tracks that will gracefully descend before the Truman Parkway overpass. What a sight that will be! Estimated to cost around $80 million, this bridge offers a much cheaper alternative to option two, which suggested connecting President Street to the Truman Parkway with a more ambitious bridge at a staggering cost of $124 million. And let’s not forget about option one, which considered simply adding an extra westbound lane to the Truman Parkway for roughly $2 million.However, that’s just a temporary fix.

Long-term Planning

The chosen option stands out not just for its cost-effectiveness but also for the long-term maintenance considerations that will keep traffic flowing smoothly. It’s a nod to sustainability and thinking ahead! Residents and planners alike want to avoid future headaches and needless expenses down the line.

Short Term Solutions

While the bridge project is thrilling and offers big solutions for the future, the short-term plan isn’t neglected either. The proposed addition of a westbound lane could help ease traffic delays, especially since some train movements can block the crossing for an eye-watering 25 minutes during those quieter off-peak hours. This addition might take about three to five years to implement, though it depends on securing the necessary funding. Fingers crossed, right?

Tapping into Funding Opportunities

For those interested in the nuts and bolts of the project, residents can dive into details available on the project’s online information page. They’re sure to find fascinating insights.

Meanwhile, outside of traffic news, there’s some chatter around town about preservation and history. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is advocating to double the funding for Georgia’s commercial rehabilitation tax credit program, boosting it from $30 million to $60 million. This initiative looks to support new projects that breathe life into historic properties, and they even have a yearly Places in Peril list to spread awareness about preserving our community’s heritage.

Events Highlighting Heritage

Mark your calendars for a lecture hosted by the Historic Savannah Foundation on March 20, diving deep into the “Legacy of HSF’s Seven Ladies”—a celebration of Savannah’s commitment to heritage preservation. Events like this reaffirm our city’s love for its past, even as we prepare for the future.

What Lies Ahead

As Chatham County looks ahead, the ambitious bridge project shines bright on the horizon with an anticipated completion timeline around 2030. It’s filled with hope and community spirit, as locals unite in the pursuit of a better traffic experience. The proposed innovative solution, including the intriguing ‘Green T Trumpet’ interchange that promises to facilitate smooth traffic without pesky signal stops, is certainly a game-changer.

So, whether you’re a regular commuter or a casual visitor, the changes on President Street are looking up. With community input and some exciting plans in the works, Chatham County is on the road to relieving those frustrating crossing delays. What an exciting time for local drivers!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chatham County Residents Demand Solutions for Persistent Railroad Crossing Delays
Savannah Local Governments Collaborate to Address Frustrating Railroad Crossing Issues

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Preferred President St. Rail Crossing Design Selected
• WTOC: Study Suggests Bridge Over President St. Railroad Crossing
• WSAV: Chatham Co. Officials Present Final Results of East President Street Railroad Crossing Elimination Project
• Savannah Business Journal: Results of President St. Rail Crossing Elimination Study
• WTOC: Chatham Co. Looks to Alleviate Traffic Problems Caused by Railroad Crossing
• Wikipedia: Railway Crossing
• Google Search: Chatham County Railroad Crossing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Railroad
• Google News: Chatham County President Street Traffic
• Google Scholar: Railroad Crossing Solutions