Construction Woes on the Savannah-Whitemarsh Island Bridge Continue
In the charming city of Savannah, residents are growing increasingly weary of the prolonged construction project to remove and replace the drawbridge connecting to Whitemarsh Island. The project has been in the works since 2018, but as we approach 2025, there’s talk of completion dates drifting further into the horizon—now projected for 2026.
What’s Going On?
When the construction started, many thought it would be a matter of months before the bridge was back up and running smoothly. However, delays have pushed that completion target further and further back. Ryon Thompson, a local resident living in the neighborhood behind the ongoing construction, shed light on the growing frustrations. “When you go to turn out of our neighborhood, it can get dangerous,” he said, voicing concerns that his children are now approaching driving age. It’s a situation he never anticipated when the project began. “When this first started, we thought, let’s make the most out of it. Surely it can’t last too long,” Thompson revealed, shaking his head at how wrong that optimism turned out to be.
Financial Ramifications
Meanwhile, the financial stakes have also ballooned. The construction contract between Prince Contracting and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) expired on April 1. Since then, GDOT has been fining the company $5,000 a day, which is piling up to a staggering total of nearly $1.2 million in fines. It seems that the longer the delays continue, the more the penalties rack up.
The Current State of Affairs
While the project has faced challenges, GDOT officials have stated that there is ongoing work on the new twin bridge, with the removal of the old drawbridges progressing around the waterway. Jill Nagel, a spokesperson for GDOT, commented on the situation, saying, “We have met our challenges on the Islands Expressway Bridges replacement project. Throughout these obstacles, we have maintained a steady flow of traffic through the project, and the opening of the new bridge has greatly enhanced mobility in this area.”
However, for the locals, the hassle is far from over. As Thompson and other residents express their fatigue over the ongoing disruptions, they look forward to an end—hopefully soon. “They have been responsive to most of our complaints or concerns, we just want it to be done as quickly as possible,” Thompson remarked, sharing a common sentiment echoed by many in the community.
Looking Ahead
As the mood grows increasingly anxious among the residents, it’s clear that communication with the contractors is vital. The president of the homeowners association (HOA) indicated that a meeting is on the calendar for later this month, where residents will have the chance to speak with the contractors, Chatham County, and GDOT representatives.
With these discussions on the horizon, it’s hoped that both sides can come together to discuss timelines and any questions on the ongoing work. While the path has been rocky, the community’s determination to stay informed and involved is a promising sign for a future resolution. Ultimately, residents are just waiting for the day when they can finally cross the bridge without any worry—keeping their family safe on the road again.
